2023 SOS Staff
What is SOS?
For many students, making the transition from high school to college is an exciting and challenging experience. The Student Orientation Staff (SOS) is here to help students make that transition as easy and fun as possible. SOS is a staff of 90 currently enrolled, volunteer student leaders who are responsible for facilitating all activities during SOAR and Welcome Week. The SOS Leadership Team consists of two student Co-Directors who work with the Directors of First Year Experience to plan, implement, and oversee all orientation programming and eight Team Leaders who are responsible for leading teams of 10 SOSers to carry out that programming. SOSers wear bright orange t-shirts so that they can stand out in a crowd (which is particularly helpful on Move-In Day!).
SOSers receive extensive leadership training throughout the spring semester and over the summer. These volunteers are chosen based on academic standing, campus involvement, and dedication to service. Each SOSer volunteers approximately 200 hours of service to the university between April and August. It’s a lot of work, but it’s a LOT of fun, too! If you’re interested in applying for SOS, applications go out the last week in February. Stop by the Department of First Year Experience if you have any questions. We are in the Student Center, Suite 203!
SOS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SOS INTEREST FORM
2024 SOS Leadership Team
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 renamed the Student Government Association) and the Royal Rooters (later renamed the Bear Den). 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 SOAR (Summer Orientation + Academic Registration) program was offered in 1992. To date, the Department of First Year Experience offers 14 SOAR sessions per summer, one of which is designed specifically for students admitted into the Schedler Honors College.
Staff Eligibility Requirements
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At least a 2.5 minimum cumulative UCA GPA at the time of your interview and throughout the year
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Completed at least one semester at UCA as a full-time student
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Be an enrolled UCA student for Spring when applications are open and the upcoming Fall semester
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Be in good academic and disciplinary standing with the University
SOS Mission
The mission of the UCA Department of First Year Experience as carried out by the Student Orientation Staff is to coordinate and implement a process to:
- Assist new students in their academic, personal, cultural, and social transition to UCA
- Expose new students to the broad educational opportunities within the institution
- Integrate new students into the life of the institution
- Assist the institution in learning more about its entering students
- Provide an opportunity for new students and their families to become familiar with institutional policies, programs, and resources
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FORMER SOS CO-DIRECTORS
| 2024 Kaleb Vassar & Ashley Spanel |
2023 Nelson Omolo & Kedran Young |
| 2022 Jalen Allen & Madison Treat |
2021 Jalen Allen & Natalie Burklow |
| 2020 KaRon Marbley & Lani Meares |
2019 Maggie Miller & Bret Pinter |
| 2018 Jacob Kent & Ashlin Stock |
2017 Emma Howard & Isaac Sims |
| 2016 Kelsey Pope & Jacob Wickliffe |
2015 Hannah Kent & Joey Baker |
| 2014 Sydney Crafton & Josh Dabney |
2013 Cody Stephens & Rachel Carlock |
| 2012 John Lewis & Rebecca Moye |
2011 Matt Melton & Craig Cole |
| 2010 Kyle Boyd & Elizabeth Eason |
2009 Aaron Kopf & Jake Melton |
| 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 |
