New Student and Family Programs

Become a Cougar Connector

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!

Applications are due Tuesday, February 3 at 11:59 p.m.

Step 1: Review the Job Requirements & Time Commitment

Position Description [pdf]

Required Qualifications

• Must be a degree-seeking student.
• Must be enrolled full-time in Fall 2026 courses at SIUE (we will check in Spring 2026).
• Must be in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and most recent term GPA of at least 2.0). 
• Must be in good judicial standing at the time of application and throughout the time on staff.
  • No open conduct cases.
  • Past conduct cases will be subject to review on a case-by-case basis.
• Understand and support the goals of all transition programs.
• Must be available to work during all required hours and attend all required training for assigned programs (see below).
• Due to overlapping time commitments, Resident Assistants and Desk Managers are unable to serve as Welcome Leaders or First Semester Transition Leaders. Resident Assistants and Desk Managers are eligible to serve as Orientation Leaders for New Student Orientation and Transfer Student Orientation.

Mandatory Spring Training

• All Cougar Connectors: A one-day, 3 hour training will be offered during the week of April 13-17, 2026
• All Cougar Connectors: An off-campus social event will be planned for late April; details to come soon

Orientation Leaders

• May 26-June 4
• anticipated time from 1-4:30 p.m.
• June 1 and June 4 will be 9 a.m - 4 p.m. 
• no trainings on Saturday or Sunday

New Student Orientation Program Dates (*Required attendance by Orientation Leaders at all dates)

• Friday, June 5, 2026 – 8:00am-5:30pm
• Monday, June 8, 2026 – 8:00am-5:30pm
• Friday, June 12, 2026 – 8:00am-5:30pm
• Monday, June 15, 2026 – 8:00am-5:30pm
• Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – 8:00am-5:30pm
• Thursday, June 25, 2026 – 8:00am-5:30pm
• Friday, June 26, 2026 – 8:00am-5:30pm
• Monday, June 29, 2026– 8:00am-5:30pm
• Monday, July 27, 2026 – 8:00am-5:30pm
• Tuesday, July 28, 2026– 8:00am-5:30pm
• Friday, July 31, 2026– 8:00am-5:30pm

Transfer Student Orientation Program Dates (*Required attendance by Orientation Leaders at all dates)

• Tuesday, June 30, 2026 – 8:00am-3:00pm
• Thursday, July 23, 2026 – 8:00am-3:00pm
• Friday, July 24, 2026 – 8:00am-3:00pm

Welcome Leaders

• Will occur in August. Details to come

• Wednesday-Thursday, August 19-20, 2026: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Friday-Sunday, August 21-23, 2026: 7:00 a.m. - midnight
• Monday, August 24, 2026: 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (one-hour shifts)

First Semester Transition Leaders

• Will occur in August. Details to come

• Schedule
  • August 24 - October 18, 2026: 2-3 hours per week

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Apply Now for Cougar Connectors

Step 3: Interview 

Selected candidates will receive a link to sign up for an individual interview time. Interviews will take place from February 9-27, 2026