Caitlyn Picard served as
secretary of a professional
pre-health fraternity and is
passionate about a future
in healthcareCaitlyn Picard, a rising junior Kinesiology major from New Baden, IL, has wanted to be a Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader (SOUL) since before she ever took a class at Miami.

“I built a great relationship with my SOUL that has continued to grow ever since,” said Picard. “I look forward to forming these relationships with my own small group members, and ensuring they have a support system on campus."

SOULs are informed, resourceful guides who assist incoming students and their families throughout the orientation program, coordinated by the Office of Orientation and Transition Programs. They lead small groups of students during orientation, and serve as ambassadors to welcome new students to Miami.

Tre King serves as a Resident
Assistant in Stanton Hall
and is a member of MAP

“I wanted to become a SOUL because I have a passion for wanting to form deeper connections with others,” said Tre King, a rising junior Media and Culture and Arts Management double major from Cincinnati, OH. “Being a SOUL will allow me to directly impact the incoming class of Miami students and help them feel a sense of belonging in this community."

Picard and King were selected as two of 24 SOULs for the 2019 orientation programs. The positions are highly competitive, and candidates are selected to represent our student body and help new students transition to college. Many SOULs apply for the position to gain leadership and work experience. They also grow personally through working with a diverse team of peers and mentors.

"We have such a strong team this year,” said Liz Walsh, Assistant Director of Orientation and Transition Programs. “I am looking forward to the Class of 2023 meeting our team of SOULs. I hope new students connect to the SOULs in a way that inspires them to make the most of their Miami experience.”

2019 SOULs by the Numbers

• Primary Academic College
  • College of Arts and Science: 11
  • College of Creative Arts: 3
  • College of Engineering and Computing: 2
  • Education, Health and Society: 5
  • Farmer School of Business: 3
• In-State/Non-OH Resident
  • In-State: 15
  • Non-OH Resident: 9
• Class Year:
  • Rising sophomore: 13
  • Rising junior: 9
  • Rising senior: 2
• Average GPA: 3.57
• Number of Student Organizations represented: 64