Alongside the final stretch of the semester, the time has come for the release of New Student Organization leader applications.
NSO leaders are student leaders who work with the First-Year Experience program to help new students transition into their first year at OCU, said Colbi Beam, coordinator of first-year experience and NSO.
“These students serve as guides and mentors during Stars 101s, Stars Week activities and everywhere in between,” she said. “I think what sets NSO leaders apart is their interest in helping others and leading by example. I want our NSO leaders to be normal students who are approachable, but what makes them different is their interest in helping new students and relating to them.”
The major events for NSO leaders are Stars 101 and Stars Week.
Stars 101 days happen periodically throughout the spring and summer, when incoming freshman arrive at OCU for enrollment advisement, campus tours and to obtain a glimpse of the campus atmosphere.
Stars Week is the week prior to the beginning of school, in which NSO leaders conduct new students through a week of events and activities that the leaders have spent the summer creating and planning. Stars Week events include Open Mic Night, StarsConnect and Stars on Bricktown.
Brade Bradshaw, acting senior, said he chose to be an NSO leader because he loves meeting new people and being involved.
“One of my favorite times of the year is when new freshmen arrive on campus because we get to welcome new members to our OCU family,” he said. “The potential relationship with every person you meet is exciting. I have met many of my best friends through NSO. You have a huge hand in shaping the future of our social climate on campus, and it’s just a lot of fun.”
Some freshmen students are already showing curiosity in becoming NSO leaders.
Matthew Moelling, university studies freshman, said the NSO leaders had a positive impact on his OCU introduction.
“The NSO leaders were very friendly and open and always willing to answer questions,” he said. “I am strongly considering it because I feel like it would be good for me, but also I feel like I would want to help new students feel as welcome and comfortable as possible.”
The requirements for applicants are that the student must be an undergraduate returning to OCU in the fall, and they must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher, Beam said. About 50-60 students are usually accepted into the program. Applications are due by midnight Dec. 16. If the application is accepted, the student will be interviewed for specific positions the week of Jan. 17.
The application can be found on orgsync.com/71340/forms/22848.
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