Appol Corps

APPalachian Orientation Leader Corps (Appol Corps) is a group of students who serve as orientation leaders during Welcome to App. These student leaders welcome all new students (freshman and transfer) to Appalachian and assist in their transition to college life.

The first Welcome to App, then known as Phase 2 Orientation, occurred in August 1982, and the first group of student leaders known as The Appol Corps were formed in 1983. Almost 40 years later, Appol Corps Leaders are still helping new students find their place at Appalachian!

Welcome to App is now an extension of  summer orientation focused on helping all new students (freshman and transfer) become more comfortable at Appalachian, make new friends, have fun, and start weaving themselves into the fabric of student life at Appalachian.  Welcome to App events continue through early fall semester.

Appol Corps Description

APPalachian Orientation Leader Corps (Appol Corps) is a group of student leaders who serve as orientation leaders during Welcome Weekend. These student leaders welcome new freshman and transfer students to Appalachian and assist in their transition to college life.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the co-peer leader for a group of approximately 30 new students participating in Welcome to App Orientation.
  • Conduct small group sessions with your students throughout Welcome to App.
  • Understand and introduce the various opportunities available for incoming students (educational, social, cultural, personal and professional)

Core Values

  • Relationships – meaningful relationships are both the ultimate goal and the means by which all other goals of the orientation program are met. It is through these meaningful connections created by Appol Corps Leaders that create the Appalachian family.
  • Inclusion – strive to create an atmosphere of respect and appreciation of diverse perspectives and cultures so students feel comfortable.
  • Community – by creating relationships, a community is established. Appol Corps Leaders honor the communities of which students are a part of and enhance student learning.
  • Transitions – the optimal opportunity for student learning and development is during periods of change. The Appol Corps program creates an environment that offers challenge and support to students in transition. Appol Corps Leaders play an important role in the transition from high school to college or from one college to another.
  • Student Experience – the student experience should be challenging, exciting, and fun. The Appol Corps program is committed to inspiring students to explore and develop their understanding of themselves, their communities, and leadership.

Important Dates

Appol Corps leaders must be available on the following dates:

  • Spring Social & Information Session: Sunday, March 24th from 1pm until 4pm. 
  • Spring Training: Sunday, April 21st from 1pm until 4pm. 
  • Fall Leader Training: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 prior to Welcome to App
  • Welcome to App 2024: Wednesday, August 14 through Sunday, August 18, 2024

Compensation

Appol Corps leader is a paid position.

  • Approximately $150 or $10 per hour (based on hours)
  • One time payment will be received at the end of Welcome to App (end of August)
  • Appol Corps t-shirt
  • Early move-in date for leaders living on-campus -- early move-in is Sunday, August 11, 2024
  • Networking opportunities with Appalachian faculty and administrative leaders
  • Skill development in communication, presentation, group facilitation and leadership development
  • Friendship and memories created with fellow Appol Corps leaders and New Mountaineers

Application Process

Applying to be an Appol Corps leader is super simple!

  1. Complete an APPLICATION.  
  2. Attend a short 10-12 minute interview. Click HERE to sign up for an Appol Corps Interview.  All interviews will be conducted on a first-come, first serve basis and will be conducted Monday, February 26th thru Thursday, February 29th from 4pm until 9pm each weekday. 
  3. After all interviews are completed, selected leaders will be notified via email on Friday, March 8th (before Spring Break). Applicants not selected will receive notification via email.