Cougar Connectors
Cougar Connectors will help facilitate and implement transition programs such as New Student Orientation; Transfer Orientation; 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 Friday, Jan. 28 at noon.
Step 1: Review the Job Requirements
- Required Qualifications
- Must be a degree-seeking student
- Must be enrolled in fall 2022 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 SIUE Experience Guides or First Semester Transition Mentors, but they are eligible for New Student Orientation and Transfer Orientation.
- Required Training and Work Hours
- Mandatory Spring Training
- Tuesdays, February 22-April 19, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
- New Student Orientation
- Thursday, May 19, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday-Friday, June 1-3, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Saturday, June 4, 8 a.m.-noon (virtual)
- Wednesday-Friday, June 8-10, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Wednesday-Friday, June 15-17, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Wednesday-Friday, June 22-24, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Monday, June 27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (one-hour shifts)
- Wednesday-Thursday, June 29-30, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Thursday-Friday, July 21-22, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 1, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Transfer Orientation
- Friday, April 8, 8 a.m.-noon (virtual)
- Thursday, May 19, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 20, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 2, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- SIUE Experience
- Wednesday-Thursday, Aug. 17-18, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Friday-Sunday, Aug. 19-21, 7 a.m.-midnight
- Monday, Aug. 22, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (one-hour shifts)
- First Semester Transition Course
- Tuesday, Aug. 16, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- August-December (2-3 hours per week)
- January-May, 2023 (2-3 hours per week)
- Mandatory Spring Training
Step 2: View the Information Session (required to complete the application process)
Step 3: Sign up for a Group Interview AND an Individual Interview (required to complete the application process)
- Group Interview
- Tuesday, Feb. 1, 5-7 p.m.
- Individual Interview
- Email Marissa Steimel (msteime@siue.edu) and Kelly Atkins (kelatki@siue.edu) to schedule an individual interview before Wednesday, Feb. 2.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application (required to complete the application process)
Before starting the online application, prepare your resume. If you need resume assistance, check out these helpful resources from the Career Development Center, or contact them directly at careerdevelopment@siue.edu.
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.

