Become a SOAR Leader

Some of the responsibilities of the SOAR leader position include:

• Easing the transition of students into the Missouri State community by welcoming and including new students in the Missouri State community
• Presenting information about campus resources, services, and policies
• Facilitating group discussions
• Answering questions from new students
• Working with academic advisors to help new students build class schedules
• Assisting in the organization and preparation of orientation activities

All New Student Orientation leaders must:

• Be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours at MSU for the Fall 2026 semester.
• Be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours at MSU for the Spring 2027 semester 
• Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.55 or higher throughout employment
• Be in and maintain good disciplinary standing throughout employment
• Attend ALL events listed in the “Time Commitment” section below

Applicants are selected based on their ability to:

• Work well with a diverse group of people
• Communicate effectively
• Make mature decisions
• Act responsibly and with integrity
• Adapt to new and unanticipated situations
• Remain positive in trying situations
• Represent Missouri State University in a positive manner

Some of the benefits of becoming a SOAR leader include:

• Developing excellent leadership experience and marketable skills
• Networking with faculty and administrators, who may serve as future mentors or references
• Having a summer full of fun and great memories!

SOAR leaders are compensated for their work with:

• $15 an hour. Orientation Leaders may work up to 35 hours throughout their committment in the months of June and July.
• Free summer meal plan
• Free Dining Dollars for use in the summer  in the PSU food vendors and Starbucks
• Free on-campus housing during SOAR sessions
• Free BearWear as your SOAR uniform
• Free Parking Permit for the Summer

Spring 2027

All New Student Orientation Leaders must attend all training events listed below.  

• January 26th, 2027
• February 23rd, 2027
• March 30th, 2027
• April 27th, 2027

Summer 2027

New Student Orientation Leaders will have a large time committment during the months of June and July, with a small committment in early August. Specific dates will be given as soon as possible once the orientation schedule is confirmed. Below are holidays that orientation leaders will have off.

• May 31st, 2027 - Memorial Day
• June 18th, 2027 - Juneteenth
• July 5th, 2027 - Independence Day

General questions:

Do New Student Orientation leaders provide tours for prospective students during the academic year?

No, our Missouri State tour guides are called University Ambassadors. View our SOAR leader position description for details regarding the duties of a SOAR leader.

New Student Orientation Leader requirement questions

This is my first semester at Missouri State. How do I meet the 2.55 GPA requirement?

OTP staff will ask first semester students to submit a copy of their midterm grades during the second round of interviews. These grades will be used while considering candidates.

Remember, selected SOAR leaders must maintain a 2.55 or higher GPA throughout employment. OTP staff will review SOAR leaders' grades each semester to determine employment eligibility.

I am unable to attend the training sessions in the Spring Semester. Can I still be a New Student Orientation leader?

No. These trainings provides future New Student Orientation leaders with necessary training and preparation, so it cannot be missed.

I plan to study abroad. Can I still be a SOAR leader?

Education abroad experiences are academically and personally enriching, and we encourage students to participate in them. However, they must be planned carefully to ensure candidates will be available to attend all training and orientation sessions. Contact newbears@missouristate.edu if you have questions; provide as many details about your desired trip as possible.

May I take summer classes while I am a New Student Orientation leader?

New Student Orientation leaders may not take in-person classes during the summer, as there are typically very few courses of these type that do not conflict with orientation activities. However, you are able to take online courses throughout the summer. 

Can I serve as a New Student Orientation leader and work at another on-campus job during the summer?

New Student Orientation leaders work up to 35 hours a week during the summer. New Student Orientation leaders typically only have Friday available to work an on-campus job. 

Equal opportunity

Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. Through its operations, New Student and Family Programs strives to reflect the diversity of our community and promote the inclusion of all Missouri State students and families.

Missouri State University adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. For more information, view our Equal Opportunity Policy.

Accommodations

Missouri State University provides reasonable accommodations that allow applicants, employees, or qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a position.

Reasonable accommodations will be made unless such accommodations have the end result of placing an undue burden on the operations of the University. If reasonable accommodations would cause undue hardship or burden because of costs, the individual with a disability shall be given the option of providing the accommodation themselves or paying for the portion of the cost that poses the undue hardship or burden.

If you want to request a reasonable accommodation for the interview process or position, contact newbears@missouristate.edu.