An orientation leader recruitment information session, sponsored through the Office of New Student Orientation and Student Support, was held Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Hughes Trigg Forum. The purpose of this session was to provide information to students interested in becoming Mustang Corral and Academic Advising, Registration, Orientation (AARO) leaders for the 2009 orientation team.
AARO and Mustang Corral create the two-step orientation process SMU offers to incoming first-year students. AARO is designed to give incoming students the preliminary tools necessary to start and acclimate to college life. AARO consists of 12 two-day sessions in July where students register for classes, meet academic advisors and participate in small groups led by AARO leaders to guide them through the SMU community.
AARO leaders will be employed from June 14 to Aug. 23 and must be in good judicial standing while maintaining a 2.5 GPA or higher. AARO leaders are responsible to attend training, live in a residence hall during summer employment, serve as a Mustang Corral leader and participate in Encore events offered during the fall semester. Encore events include Night at the Club on Aug. 24, common reading discussion groups and Convocation on Aug. 25.
Mustang Corral is a three-day retreat, held Aug. 21-23, designed to help incoming students make connections with faculty, staff and other new students. Mustang Corral is dedicated to SMU spirit and tradition, striving to instill a sense of pride and community among students. Mustang Corral leaders partner up with a faculty or staff leader to pilot “Round Up” groups of 10 to 12 students.
Mustang Corral leaders’ responsibilities include returning to campus Aug. 12 to start training and being able to work every day through Aug. 26. Corral leaders must also maintain good judicial standing and a 2.5 GPA or higher. Leaders are required to participate in Encore events later in the semester as well. AARO and Corral leaders must follow SMU rules and regulations at all times.
The Office of New Student Orientation and Student Support are looking for enthusiastic, positive and knowledgeable individuals eager to work in a team environment and make lasting impressions on incoming first year students.
“My Mustang Corral leader was the part of Corral I enjoyed the most,” SMU freshman Travis Talaric said.
Applications and more information regarding these programs can be found online at smu.edu/newstudent. Applications are due March 20 by 5 p.m.
