Cougar Connectors
Cougar Connectors will help facilitate and implement transition programs such as New Student Orientation; Transfer Student Orientation; Welcome Weekend (formerly known as SIUE Experience); and First Semester Transition courses. These programs involve and engage new students with current SIUE students, faculty, staff and the Edwardsville community.
Cougar Connectors will work with departments on campus, local businesses and other organizations to provide opportunities for new members of the campus community to transition in a safe and positive environment. This is a one-year appointment and students may reapply each year. If you enjoy connecting with new people and have a passion for sharing your SIUE experience, we encourage you to apply to become a Cougar Connector!
Please review the steps below before submitting an application. All applications are due Monday, January 23rd, by 8 a.m.
Step 1: Review the Job Requirements
- Required Qualifications
- Must be a degree-seeking student
- Must be enrolled in fall 2023 courses at SIUE
- Understand and support the goals of all transition programs
- Must be in good standing academically and judicially at the time of application and throughout the time on staff
- Must be available to work during all required hours and attend all required trainings for assigned programs (see below)
- Due to overlapping time commitments, resident assistants are unable to serve as a Cougar Connector. Desk managers are unable to serve as Welcome Leaders or First Semester Transition Mentors, but they are eligible for New Student Orientation and Transfer Student Orientation.
- Required Training and Work Hours
- Mandatory Spring Training
- All Cougar Connectors: Wednesdays, February 22-March 22, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. (excluding March 8)
- Welcome Leaders & Orientation Leaders/Coordinators: Wednesdays, March 29-April 12, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
- Orientation Leaders/Coordinators: Wednesday, April 19, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
- New Student Orientation
- Saturday, February 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 16, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 17, 9 a.m.-noon
- Wednesday-Thursday, May 31 & June 1, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Wednesday-Friday, June 7-9, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Wednesday-Friday, June 14-16, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Wednesday-Friday, June 21-23, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 27, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. (virtual)
- Wednesday-Thursday, June 28-29, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Thursday-Friday, July 20-21, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Monday, July 24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (one-hour shifts)
- Friday, Dec. 1, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Transfer Student Orientation
- Saturday, February 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 16, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 17, 9 a.m.-noon
- Thursday, May 18, 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 19, 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 19, 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 29, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. (virtual)
- Thursday, November 28, 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Welcome Weekend (formerly SIUE Experience)
- Wednesday-Thursday, Aug. 16-17, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Friday-Sunday, Aug. 18-20, 7 a.m.-midnight
- Monday, Aug. 21, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (one-hour shifts)
- First Semester Transition Course
- Tuesday, Aug. 15, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
- August-December (2-3 hours per week)
- January-May, 2024 (2-3 hours per week)
- Mandatory Spring Training
Step 2: Attend an Information Session (required to complete the application process)
- Watch the information session here. Send the code phrase to msteime@siue.edu when you have finished the session.
Step 3: Sign up for a Group Interview AND an Individual Interview (required to complete the application process)
- Group Interview (new applicants ONLY)
- Monday, January 30, or Tuesday, January 31; 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
- Sign up here.
- Monday, January 30, or Tuesday, January 31; 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
- Individual Interview (new applicants) and Individual Presentation/Interview (returning applicants)
- Monday, January 23-Friday, January 27; Between 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Sign up here.
- Monday, January 23-Friday, January 27; Between 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application (required to complete the application process)
Apply Now for Cougar Connectors
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the application process or a specific position, please reach out to the appropriate staff member. We're happy to assist you with the application process and look forward to reviewing your application.
