For more information:
Victoria Angis
Assistant Dean for Campus Life
Victoria.angis@castleton.edu
(802) 468-1231
Samantha “Sammy” Greeno ‘08
2007 SOS Staff Coordinator
Samantha.greeno@castleton.edu
Eli Willey ‘08
2007 SOS Program Coordinator
Eli.willey@castleton.edu
Student Orientation Staff is a group of energentic students who are selected and trained to work with entering students during Registration, Orientation, and the First Year Seminar. These dedicated volunteers are committed to making sure new students and their families feel welcome and comfortable in the Castleton community.
SOS Leaders 2007
SOS Leaders - 1981-2006
| The Role of an SOS Leader at Castleton
As members of the Student Orientation Staff, it is important that we unconditionally commit ourselves to new students, their families, our purpose, and each other. Recognize that, by fostering an atmosphere that minimizes anxieties, promotes positive attitudes, and stimulates excitement for learning, we establish the bonds that connect all students to Castleton. Also, understand that the efforts we invest will be the measure of our reward for the SOS experience. With these thoughts in mind, it is important that we remember...
Respect for and appreciation of differences is essential to our mission.
Keep in mind that our obligation to assist new students and their families involves accepting them, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds. Any form of bias, prejudice, or intolerance of others is unacceptable to this organization and its functions.
We represent Castleton to new students and their families.
As you are probably the first student with whom incoming students interact, it is important that you serve as an excellent role model. When students and parents arrive on campus, as far as they are concerned, SOS Leaders are Castleton. Therefore, it is important that you are well groomed and dressed appropriately during all SOS sessions, and that you act in a way that reflects positively on yourself, your family, and your College.
Offer students and parents the reassurance that everything will work our well.
Do you remember what it was like the first time you came to campus? New students are often overwhelmed by everything there is to know, therefore, it is important that you help them feel at ease. Help students experience the "warm, friendly" Castleton that you know.
Participate fully in whatever we are doing!
It is essential that everyone attends all scheduled functions and participates fully while there. Stay focused on what is happening. Engage your heart and your mind in the role of SOS.
To best serve new students, help make their own decisions. Provide impartial and objective information.
This can be done by providing objective information and letting them decide what is best for their individual situations. Although students may insist on your personal opinions at times, keep in mind that to best serve their interests you need only give them the impartial information they need to make their own informed choices. For example, refrain from criticizing specific college services (parking, food service, residence halls, etc.), or recommending private businesses (grocery stores, bookstore, apartments, etc.)
It is imperative that we avoid criticisms or recommendations about specific organizations or people.
Instead, tell them how to get involved and learn about all the different organizations and leadership opportunities available at Castleton. Never make a negative comment about another student, a faculty, staff, or administrator.
Be knowledgeable about campus resources and services.
When new students know where to go and who to see for their needs, questions, and information, they will avoid further problems.
Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."
If you do not know the answer to a particular question, take the time to help the person find the correct answer or refer him or her to a specific individual or staff member.
No scamming!
As a SOS Leader, you will meet many new and prospective students who will look up to you because you are successful and they are hoping to be as well. To take advantage of their vulnerability and to encourage more than a supportive and helpful relationship during the Registration or Orientation is inappropriate and will not be tolerated. We ask that you keep in mind our ultimate goal to help new students feel a part of Castleton.
At SOS events, your time is for new students and their families!
As the summer progresses, we are certain that you will establish friendships with the other SOS Leaders. In order to put students and parents at ease, it is good that we be comfortable working together. It is key, however, that we maintain our focus. As you attend SOS events, make if a point to interact with the participants and not each other.
Be careful when addressing academic issues.
There is a fine line between giving academic information and giving academic advice. Academic information consists of explaining the general education requirements, the Undergraduate Catalog, or registration procedures. Advice includes recommendations (i.e., a specific major, class, or professor, etc.) and counseling on issues such as degree plans or classes to take. Restrict your discussions on academic to information only. Refer other questions to the FYS instructor.
We are busy people!
We have many things to accomplish during our scheduled time together. It is important that we all respect each other's time. This can be done by arriving to all functions on time and ready to work..
Adapted from "Role of an Orientation Leader" at University of Nevada Las Vegas.
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