Coming to a new college campus can be a challenging experience. The Student Orientation Staff (SOS) program helps incoming freshmen students adapt to UCA. A staff of currently enrolled, volunteer student leaders are available to aid in welcoming you to UCA. SOS volunteers are here to support you in your orientation experience by giving tours, conducting workshops, and providing as much assistance as possible. Should you have questions about UCA, just look for the bright orange shirts which are worn by all SOS volunteers.
THE HISTORY OF SOS
The Student Orientation Staff (SOS) program began
in the fall of 1979 under the leadership of Dr. Fred Rhodes, then Dean of Students. The students were selected from the Student Senate (later called the Student Government Association (SGA)) and Royal Rooters (later called the Bear Den) organizations.
The following year an orientation interview process was created and group leaders were established to serve as coordinators of an orientation committee. In 1987 the position of co-director was established. These two individuals were to guide the group leaders and work closely with the advisor to ensure the program’s success.
The first S.O.A.R. (Summer Orientation & Academic Registration) program was offered in 1992. To date the Office of Orientation offers ten SOAR programs, one of which is designed specifically for the Honors College & Distinguished Scholars.
The premise behind the UCA orientation program is to establish and develop programming for students and the intent is to serve students in all capacities. Our goal is to inform new students, allow them the opportunity to feel a part of their new community and to help them feel good about their decision to attend UCA.
2012 SOS CO-DIRECTORS
John Lewis & Rebecca Moye
FORMER SOS CO-DIRECTORS
2011 Matt Melton & Craig Cole
2010 Kyle Boyd & Elizabeth Eason
2008 Hanna Manning & Andy Winkelman
2007 Lindsey "Oz" Osborne & Stephen Roach
2006 Aaron King & Jeanie Zelinski
2005 Dana Newton & Mandi Tollett
2004 Amanda Blair & Brian Bowden
2003 Lauren Harris & Melissa Nix
2002 Scott Kiehn & Amanda Stouppe
2001 Sancy Faulk & Jordan Woolbright
2000 Desiree Mauppins & Annie Turner
1999 Heather Knight & Chris Oholendt
1998 William Hornburg & Corey Simmermon
1997 Gretchen Buchanan & Will Pittman
1996 Erin Burns & Jennifer Worley
1995 Leslie Perdue & Michael Vines
1994 Blake Douglas & Lawanda Shewbart
1993 Lane Vassar & Paul Vitale
1992 Jackie Davis & Galen Horton
1991 Sean Fleming & Angie Carr
1990 Gary Cooper & Margaret Gunter
1989 Chrystal Harris & Chris Williams
1988 Renae Bartlett & Tim Fix
1987 Tim McMahan & Kim Stone
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
How to become a member of the Student Orientation Staff:
SOS Applications are available each March, so don't forget to apply next year!