Learning Outcomes
Being an SOS is a rewarding learning opportunity, as well as a way to serve Castleton.
As a result of being a member of the Student Orientation Staff, an SOS will:
1. Be a responsible representative of Castleton, and as such will be able to…
- a. articulate the mission and initiatives of the University;
- b. recite a brief history of the University;
- c. know for whom each building is named.
2. Uphold the Castleton University Code of Conduct and be able to…
- explain the Code of Conduct to new students;
- understand the due process (i.e. conduct) processes of the University;
- correctly articulate major University policies, e.g., alcohol, drugs, sexual misconduct, harassment, etc.
3. Serve as peer advisor to new students, and as such will:
- be able to identify students in crisis;
- practice effective referral skills;
- practice effective listening skills;
- know and be able to explain the University’s General Education requirements;
- know how to use the catalog and other online academic resources;
- know key academic policies, e.g., plagiarism; drop/add, changing major, etc.
- be able to explain how to use the Portal, Canvas, and Aviso;
- be able to supplement and answer questions about the online orientation program;
- be able to describe, locate, and make referrals to key campus services, e.g., Library, Academic Support, IT, Student Services, Student Life, etc.
4. Plan, initiate, and co-facilitate activities involving small and large groups of new students, virtually and in-person. As a result, SOS will be able to…
- select and use various types of “icebreakers” and small group activities;
- adjust small group activities to respond to varying abilities;
- gauge the emotional state of a group and respond appropriately;
- plan and deliver an effective presentation;
- foster discussion among new students;
- respond to questions candidly, accurately, and respectfully.
5. Participate actively in registration and orientation, and
- learn to work in a group;
- learn to set priorities and manage time.
6. Work closely with a Connections instructor/advisor and will be able to:
- articulate the faculty member’s role to new students;
- initiate conversation with the advisor;
- interpret student needs or concerns to advisor when necessary;
- support the logistical needs of the group, e.g., arrange lunches, etc.
7. Read any Connections summer assignments and complete any required assignments related to the reading. In the process, the SOS will learn:
- reading comprehension skills;
- critical thinking skills;
- how to facilitate an academic discussion.