Orientation interns are an integral part of the orientation experience for new students and their families. Students are selected each year to assist new students and their families in making the transition to a collegiate environment. Interns assist in the transition through mentoring, providing instructions and guidance and presenting information on campus resources. Interns also serve as role models to new students and possess outstanding leadership skills.
Each year about 26 orientation interns are hired and trained by Stephanie Auwaerter, Director of Orientation, for this special position that helps welcome nearly 3,000 new students and over 3,000 family members to campus every year.
Being an orientation intern is a big commitment. These students receive over 50 hours of training, work during all 11 orientation sessions, move-in weekend and welcome week. They assist new freshman, transfer students and their families in a number of different ways. They facilitate small group discussions, host large group sessions, instruct students how to use their email and MyCharleston, help with logistics at various orientation events and host many events for families.
“It takes a special type of student to fulfill this role” says Stephanie Auwaerter. “Orientation interns have to be hardworking, adaptable, team players, love CofC and want to share that love with new students and families. In return for their efforts, these interns make connections with many campus offices and administrators, learn transferable skills such as communications and logistics and lifelong friends.”
Each year an awards banquet is held to celebrate these Orientation interns and their hard work. At this year’s banquet held in January 2015, the following awards were given:
Orientation Intern of the year recipient, Rebecca Drewry with CofC staff. from left to right: Stephanie Auwaerter, Orientation Director, Mindy Miley, Asst. VP, Educational Programs and Services, Rebecca Drewry, intern of the year, and Karee White, Asst. Director, New Student Programs.
Intern of the Year: Rebecca Drewry
Outstanding New Intern – Kat Witcher
Outstanding Veteran Intern – Katie Kirchoff
Spirit Award – Carly Harward and Kelli Smiling
Pickle Award (outstanding customer service)- Devon Schmolk
Helicopter Award (for great work with parents) – Victoria Thompson
Hard Hat Award (they went the extra mile with physical work )– Kola George
Jamarvelous Award – Dylan Mazelis
Cool-Calm-Collected award- Ansley Pope
First Year Advocate – Chris Pennebaker and Katie Fary
Third year Orientation Interns with Mindy Miley and Stephanie Auwaerter.
Orientation Interns with Stephanie Auwaerter Summer 2014.