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!
Returner applications are due Friday, November 15 at 12 p.m.
New applications are due Sunday, January 26 at 10 p.m.
Step 1: Review the Job Requirements & Time Commitment
Required Qualifications
- Must be a degree-seeking student.
- Must be enrolled full-time in Fall 2025 courses at SIUE (we will check in Spring 2025).
- Must be in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and Fall 2024 semester GPA of at least 2.0). Returners will be tentatively rehired pending an official grade check in December or early January.
- 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 for New Student Orientation and Transfer Student Orientation.
Mandatory Spring Training
- All Cougar Connectors: Tuesdays, February 18-March 18, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. (excluding March 11)
- Welcome Leaders & Orientation Leaders: Tuesdays, March 25-April 8, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
- Orientation Leaders: Tuesday, April 15, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
New Student Orientation
- Retreat: TBD
- Logistics training: June 5
- Friday, June 6, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Friday, June 13, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Friday, June 27, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Friday, July 11, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Friday, July 18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Monday, July 28, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Friday, August 1, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Friday, December 5, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday, January 11, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Transfer Student Orientation
- Retreat: TBD
- Logistics training: June 5
- Tuesday, July 15, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Friday, July 25, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Monday, August 4, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Friday, November 14, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 3, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Welcome Weekend (formerly SIUE Experience)
- Wednesday-Thursday, August 13-14, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Friday-Sunday, August 15-17, 7 a.m.-midnight
- Monday, August 18, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (one-hour shifts)
First Semester Transition Course
- Tuesday, August 12, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
- August-December (2-3 hours per week)
Step 2: Attend an Information Session | New Applicants Only (required to complete the application process)
New Applicants MUST attend one information session. You will NOT be offered an interview if you do not attend an info session. The sessions are all the same, so you can choose the one that works best for your schedule!
- Wednesday, January 15 - 2:30 p.m., Student Success Center (SSC) 1201
- Thursday, January 16 - 12:30 p.m., SSC 1201
- Friday, January 17 - 1:00 p.m., SSC 1201
- Tuesday, January 21 - 9:30 a.m., SSC 1201
- Tuesday, January 21 - 1:30 p.m., SSC 1201
- Wednesday, January 22 - 9:00 a.m., SSC 1201
- Thursday, January 23 - 10:30 a.m., SSC 1201
- Friday, January 24 - 10:00 a.m., SSC 1201
Step 3: Sign up for an Individual Interview Time
Returner Applicants:
- You will receive a link to sign up for an individual interview time.
- Interviews will take place from November 18-22.
New Applicants:
- You will receive a link to sign up for an individual interview time.
- Interviews will take place from January 28-31.
- If you are offered the opportunity to participate in the group process, it will occur from February 3-5.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
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, please email NewStudents@siue.edu or call 618-650-2400.
