Student Orientation Staff

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

APPLY TO SOS

 

2023 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

  • At least a 2.5 minimum cumulative UCA GPA at the time of your interview and throughout the year

  • Completed at least one semester at UCA as a full-time student

  • Be an enrolled UCA student for Spring 2023 and Fall 2023

  • 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

Meet the
2023 SOS CO-DIRECTORS

Kedran Young & Nelson Omolo

 

FORMER SOS CO-DIRECTORS

 

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