SOUL Frequently Asked Questions

Great! We're so excited that you'll be applying for the position. After you've reviewed the SOUL position description, you will need to complete a SOUL application. The SOUL application will ask for personal and academic information, your co-curricular involvement, your most up-to-date resume/activity sheet, answers to five short answer questions, and the name of one person who will submit recommendation forms on your behalf. Please be ready to provide that information. It is important to ask your recommender for their permission before putting their names down on your application.

After submitting your application by the priority application deadline on Friday, November 10, you will be able to sign up for a group and individual interview slot. Group and individual interviews for the priority application cycle will take place November 1-16, 2023.

Orientation and Transition Programs is committed to providing an accessible SOUL recruitment process. OTP works collaboratively with The Miller Center for Student Disability Services in coordinating accommodations to enable full participation in the SOUL recruitment and application experience. To request disability related accommodations during the SOUL application process please contact Andrea Howard (howar182@MiamiOH.edu). Accommodations should be requested at least 3 days prior to your interview date(s) date to ensure a smooth experience.

The SOUL priority application deadline is November 10, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. All application materials, including a recommendation form, should be submitted by this deadline to participate in group and individual interviews November 1-16 and to receive notification by December 1.

The SOUL final application deadline is February 2, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. All application materials, including a recommendation form, should be submitted by this deadline to participate in group and individual interviews February 5-8 and to receive notification by February 12.

Yes! If you are interested in the SOUL position, but you are also looking at other summer opportunities, you should definitely still apply. If for some reason you decide that the SOUL position is not for you, you may withdraw your application at any time. If nothing else, you will get experience in application and interview processes.

Yes! There is no specific "SOUL personality". We want to hire students that have a diverse set of leadership styles, backgrounds, and personalities. Once you are hired as a SOUL, you will take a 2-credit, graded, EDL 290F class, work with a mentor, attend a retreat, and participate in training. These tools will give you all the everything you need to be an amazing SOUL.

Any undergraduate first-year, sophomore, or junior student on the Oxford campus can apply to be a SOUL. Seniors who plan to stay through fall 2024 are also eligible to apply. We are looking for a variety of students to connect with the incoming Miami students, and that includes students in every class year. If you are graduating in May of this academic year, you will not be eligible to be a SOUL.

Yes and no. We certainly want a variety of majors on our team, but we aren't looking very specifically at majors. For example, we probably do not want an entire team of one major, but other than that, major is not a huge factor in our decision making. In fact, the SOUL position allows students from all majors to gain skills that employers are looking for (teamwork, public speaking, problem solving, strong work ethic, etc.), making it a great alternative internship opportunity.

No. However the information sessions are helpful to learn more about the position, application process, and interview process. These sessions are a great way to get questions about the SOUL position answered and hear from individuals who have had the SOUL experience!

The point of the essay questions is for us to get to know you and learn about your experiences. Please write answers that help us to know you better. There is no minimum or maximum word requirement for responses, but we do ask that you are thorough and thoughtful.

In addition to your written responses, we must also receive one recommendation form on your behalf. You may choose to ask teachers/professors, mentors, coaches, supervisors/managers/employers, Miami student leaders (like RAs or SOULs), etc. to submit recommendation forms on your behalf. Recommendation forms from family members or family friends will not be accepted.

Recommendation forms must be submitted to us in order for your application to be complete. However, we do not need to receive your written application and recommendation at the same time. While your references may submit the recommendation forms ahead of you completing your application, know that each reference you list will receive an email from us with the link to fill out the form.

During the group interview, you will participate in group challenges. We want to get to know you and see how you work in a team dynamic. For these reasons, please come prepared to interact with other students in a series of activities. While we understand there is some level of pressure associated with being observed, please know that we are just trying to get to know you better and that observations are not meant to cause stress. Ultimately, our goal is to get to know you better, so please be authentically you! Additional details about the group interview will be shared prior to your selected interview time. 

The individual interview is our opportunity to get to know you better as an individual. Be prepared to answer a series of questions that will prompt you to talk about yourself, your experiences, and what makes you unique. Two staff members will facilitate your interview. You will meet with either the Director or an Assistant Director of our office, and one of the following people: Orientation Student Coordinator, Director of Parent and Family Programs, Graduate Assistant, or Orientation and Transition Programs Program Associate. Individual interviews will be 30 minutes. Appropriate dress for the interview is business casual. Additional details about the individual interview will be shared prior to your selected interview time. 

We want you to be successful in both the classes you take and your SOUL role and the SOUL schedule does not allow time for classes you may want to take in late May and June. However, if a class takes place in mid-July or August, you can certainly take it.

No problem! EDL 290 can be taken multiple times in different forms. It will not count as duplicate credit on your transcript. The EDL 290F class for spring 2024 will take place on Thursdays from 6:30 - 8 p.m. beginning on February 15, 2024