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 open on September 24, 2025. The 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. (Be sure to ask your recommender before putting their name down.)

The hiring timeline outlines when interviews will take place for both priority and final applications. For priority applications, you’ll receive an interview invitation no later than November 13. For final applications, you will receive an interview invitation no later than January 30.

The SOUL priority application deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 12 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 Nov. 17-21, 2025 and to receive an application status notification by December 1, 2025. 

The SOUL final application deadline is Jan. 29, 2026 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 Feb. 2-6, 2026 and to receive notification by Feb. 10.

Yes! If you are interested in the SOUL position, but you are also looking at other summer opportunities, you should definitely 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 who have a wide variety of leadership styles, backgrounds, and personalities. The Student Transitions and Family Engagement team is looking for candidates who are teachable, authentic, and are invested in welcoming the newest Miamians. Once you are hired as a SOUL, you will take a 2-credit, graded, EDL 290F class, work closely with the Student Transitions and Family Engagement leadership team, attend a team retreat, and participate in training. The SOUL learning and training program will support you in your work as a SOUL and help your authentic leadership qualities shine.

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 2026 are also eligible to apply. We are looking for a variety of students to connect with incoming Miami students, which 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 don’t have quotas or target numbers for specific majors or academic colleges. 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 recruitment events are helpful to learn more about the position, application process, and interview process, and connect with the Orientation Student Coordinators who serve as mentors to the SOUL team. These opportunities are a great way to get questions about the SOUL position answered and hear from individuals who have had the SOUL experience before! 

The purpose of the short response questions is for the Student Transitions and Family Engagement team 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, one recommendation form must be submitted 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 in order for your application to be complete. However, your written application and recommendation do not need to be submitted at the same time. While your recommender may submit the recommendation form ahead of your complete application, know that the recommender you list will receive an email from us with the link to fill out the recommendation form.

During the group interview, you will participate in a series of group challenges designed to show how you work in a team dynamic. Come prepared to interact with other students in a variety of activities. While there may be some pressure in being observed, the purpose is simply to get to know you better—not to create stress. Be authentic, and know that additional details about the group interview will be shared before your selected time.

Your individual interview is a chance to share more 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 Student Transitions and Family Engagement (STFE), and one of the following people: an Orientation Student Coordinator, or the STFE Program Associate. Individual interviews will be scheduled for 30 minutes. Appropriate dress for the interview is business casual. 

No. It’s important for you to be successful in both the classes you take and your SOUL role. The SOUL schedule does not allow time for classes you may want to take between late May and early July. However, if a class takes place in mid-July or August, you can certainly take it.