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 Sunday, January 28 at 12 p.m.
Step 1: Review the Job Requirements
- Required Qualifications
- Must be a degree-seeking student
- Must be enrolled in fall 2024 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 and Desk Managers are unable to serve as Welcome Leaders or First Semester Transition Leaders. Resident Assistants and Desk are eligible for New Student Orientation and Transfer Student Orientation.
- Required Training and Work Hours
- Mandatory Spring Training
- All Cougar Connectors: Wednesdays, February 21-March 20, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. (excluding March 6)
- Welcome Leaders & Orientation Leaders: Wednesdays, March 27-April 10, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
- Orientation Leaders: Wednesday, April 17, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. New Student Orientation
- Retreat TBD
- Logistics training May 13 and 14
- Wednesday, May 15, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Thursday, May 16, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Friday, May 17, 6 a.m.-6.p.m.
- Wednesday-Friday, May 29-31, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Wednesday-Friday, June 5-7, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Wednesday-Friday, June 12-14, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Tuesday June 18, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Thursday-Friday, June 20-21, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Wednesday-Friday, June 26-28, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Tuesday July 16 (virtual), 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Thursday-Friday, July 18-19, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 6, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Transfer Student Orientation
- Retreat TBD
- Logistics training May 13 and 14
- Wednesday, May 15, 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Thursday, May 16, 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 17, 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 17, 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 4, , 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Thursday, December 5, 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Welcome Weekend (formerly SIUE Experience)
- Wednesday-Thursday, Aug. 14-15, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Friday-Sunday, Aug. 16-18, 7 a.m.-midnight
- Monday, Aug. 19, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (one-hour shifts)
- First Semester Transition Course
- Tuesday, Aug. 13, 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)
- New Applicants MUST attend an information session. Please watch a recorded version here. Please email your responses to these questions to Lindsay Winkeler at liwinke@siue.edu or answer them in your application.
*Who oversees the First Semester Transition Leaders?
*When is the first and last New Student Orientation dates?
*What and how are Welcome Leaders paid?
- Returning Applicants MUST carefully review an email and then email the secret phrase to Lindsay Winkeler at liwinke@siue.edu or fill it in the application.
Step 3: Sign up for a Group/Individual Interview time (required to complete the application process)
ALL Applicants:- Will be sent a link to sign up for an individual interview time. Interviews will take place 1/29-2/2
Step 4: Complete the Online Application (required to complete the application process)
New Applicants: Apply Now for Cougar Connectors
Returning Applicants: 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.