Think back to your Miami orientation. Whether it was years ago or just this past summer, you surely remember the people in red polos who helped you get acclimated on campus. SOULs (or Student Orientation Undergraduate Leaders) help new Miami students and families prepare for their Miami experience and learn about campus resources. And guess what – you too can be a SOUL! It’s a paid position that includes a residence hall room and meal plan during May and summer orientation. The application is due by 8am on January 8, 2018. To give you a better idea of what the job entails, we outlined a typical day in the life of a SOUL.
Icebreakers, icebreakers, icebreakers
A major part of orientation is meeting new people and making connections, and icebreakers are a perfect way to do that! What’s more fun than playing games with new friends?
Connecting with first-year students
Being a SOUL is all about building relationships with incoming Miami students. SOULs get so many opportunities to make some real connections with first-year students!
Talking to families
Many students bring family members with them to orientation. And they bring loads of questions and an interesting perspective. And it’s rewarding to ease the concerns of nervous family members!
Facilitating small groups
This is a time where SOULs can really connect with their students. During small groups, SOULS lead a variety of activities from fun and energetic icebreakers to serious conversations about things like diversity and belonging.
Showing off your dance moves at the student social
One of the most fun parts of orientation is the student social! There are outdoor games, free snacks, and a dance floor with music from DJ Steve! It’s a great way for SOULs to meet first-years that aren’t in their small group and just have some fun after a long day.
Giving an Oscar-worthy performance during vignettes
Part of SOUL training is coming up with vignettes, or short skits, about different aspects of the transition to college. SOULs write, direct, and act in their own vignettes and perform them for each orientation session. And if you’re not a theatre major, don’t worry! Anyone can perform in a vignette!
Gaining valuable life and work skills
Being a SOUL is a great job for anyone who really wants to put themselves out there. From public speaking to small group facilitation to team building, being a SOUL will teach you many marketable skills to put on your resume and make you a more well-rounded person.
Working, laughing, and having fun with 23 incredible people
The experience of being a SOUL is unlike any other. With 24 SOULs living together in a residence hall and working together every day for two months, you’re bound to become close. Any former SOUL will tell you that they met some of their best friends through working together during orientation. As much fun as the job itself is, it is the people that make the experience.
These are just some of the things that make being a SOUL such an incredible job. Make sure to apply for an unforgettable summer!
