JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY ORIENTATION OFFICE 2018 FIRST YEAR ORIENTATION GUIDE (FROG) APPLICATION PACKET This packet will provide you with all the necessary steps in order to apply to be a 2018 FROG! Being a FROG provides students the opportunity to serve our first year students and the JMU community. After reviewing this packet, we hope that you will strongly consider applying to be a part of our 2018 team. Information to review about being a FROG: Please initial that you have completed each step below and turn in this page with your short answer responses. Reviewed the Position Description: Make sure you have read the entire position description starting on page 3, especially the "Important Dates and Details" and are able fulfill all expectations. Reviewed the FROG Commitment to Excellence: If you are selected to serve as a First year Orientation Guide, the Commitment to Excellence on page 5, will serve as your contract throughout your experience. (Contract is not signed until after hired) Have a minimum 2.5 Cumulative GPA: One of the main reasons that we have a GPA requirement is because FROGs are expected to be good academic role models and provide insight and strategies for success to first year students. Having a higher GPA is a good indicator that you are prepared to manage the commitments of this role and your academic expectations. In good disciplinary standing: We encourage FROGs to be good academic and social role models that uphold the values of JMU and the policies outlined in the student handbook. Having a history with OSARP does not exclude you from this selection process. Steps to Apply: Attend a Required Information Sessions: You are required to attend an information session as part of the FROG application process. Please do not wait until the last minute to attend plan accordingly! Date: Time: Location: 1/24/2018 (Weds.) 12:00-1:00pm Grafton 1/25/2018 (Thurs.) 6:00-7:00pm SSC 1075 1/29/2018 (Mon.) 5:45-6:45pm Festival Highlands 1/30/2018 (Tues.) 5:00-6:00pm Grafton 2/1/2018 (Thurs.) 4:00-5:00pm Grafton 2/5/2018 (Mon.) 7:00-8:00pm Madison Union Ballroom 2/6/2018 (Tues.) 3:30-4:30pm Grafton 2/7/2018 (Weds.) 7:00-8:00pm Madison Union 256 2/8/2018 (Thurs.) 12:00-1:00pm Grafton Submitted the online portion of the application at: http://jmu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/sv_08l8pghp3pwbhoh Completed the Short Answer Questions: Questions and instructions are found on page 2 of this packet. Submit your short answer responses between January 24 th and February 8 th in Student Success Center 2200 between 8am-5pm Monday - Friday. Questions Answered: There will be many opportunities to have your questions answered by Orientation Staff. If you still have questions after attending one of the required Information Sessions, please contact Orientation in one of the following ways: PHONE: 540.568.1787 EMAIL: orientation@jmu.edu VISIT: Student Success Center, Room 2200 ON THE WEB: http://www.jmu.edu/orientation/employment.shtml ACKNOWLEDGMENT STATEMENT By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the responsibilities of being a First year Orientation Guide and agree to abide by the FROG Commitment to Excellence. I further understand that if I am selected to be a FROG, I may not train for other on- or off-campus employment, nor engage in any additional volunteer experiences during scheduled orientation programs or training. Also, I give Orientation permission to confirm my academic and judicial standing. Signature Date
JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY ORIENTATION OFFICE 2018 FIRST YEAR ORIENTATION GUIDE (FROG) APPLICATION SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS Please provide a thoughtful, well-written and grammatically correct response for both questions. 1. What is your personal philosophy on student success and how will you advise first year students to be successful at JMU? 2. Why should Orientation hire you to be a 2018 First year Orientation Guide? THINGS TO REMEMBER for SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS: Responses must be typed Include your Name and JACard ID Number in the top right corner of the page. Include the question # next to your typed answer. Both responses need to fit onto (1) page, single-spaced, and in a 12-point font. If you do not meet these criteria, your application will not be reviewed.
Orientation engages students in the learning experience by preparing them to be active and authentic members of the university community. A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE Recognizes that the main focus of the position is the first-years successful transition to James Madison University. Desires to make a difference in the lives of first-year students and their families. Demonstrates a commitment to the Orientation program and its mission to prepare students to be active and authentic participants in the JMU learning experience. Is willing to learn and grow through participation in training, discussion, and reflection. Displays integrity, maturity, and an ability to use independent judgment. Understands the importance of, and is comfortable as, a positive role model to all students both on and off campus and in all social media venues. Is authentic and sensitive to the uniqueness of each situation and the individual(s) involved, thereby promoting an understanding and respect for various opinions, values, and cultural backgrounds. Is an excellent team player. Maintains a high energy level, enthusiasm, and stamina when working long, fast-paced days. Shares accurate information with new students and family members. Is familiar with the resources, services, and departments available at James Madison University. Realizes the need to hold self and others accountable. Maintains methods of organization and prioritizes tasks. Is comfortable facilitating small and large group discussions and activities. Commits to taking leadership, communication, and customer service skills to the next level. Enjoys hard, but rewarding work. OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES Attend and actively participate in all First year Orientation Guide training programs. Assist with the implementation and attendance of first-year orientation programs. Greet and provide direction to groups of first-year students and parents during Orientation events. Provide excellent customer service to new students and family members by communicating accurate information. Support JMU faculty with the facilitation of It s Complicated. Demonstrate sensitivity to diversity and appreciate differences in first-year students and in the Orientation Team. Collaborate with ORL staff to promote a healthy community. Actively participate in reflection and debriefing sessions during training and 1787 August Orientation. Aid first-year students in developing academic effectiveness, positive peer relationships and personal adjustment to JMU through small group discussions, individual advisement, and professional interaction. Serve as peer mentors to first-year students throughout the 2018-2019 academic year; continue to establish relationships with first-year students post 1787 through at least 4 curricular and/or co-curricular opportunities. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required and must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student not studying abroad for the fall 2018 semester and spring 2019 semester. You must be in good disciplinary standing with James Madison University. By signing the Acknowledgement Statement included in the FROG Application, you are giving us permission to check your disciplinary standing with the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices and the Office of Residence Life. Expected to participate in all Orientation training sessions and programs in the spring, summer, and fall. (See dates listed below) COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE 2018 FIRST YEAR ORIENTATION GUIDE (FROG) POSITION DESCRIPTION JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY ORIENTATION OFFICE The FROG Commitment to Excellence is a list of expectations that all FROGs are to uphold throughout the duration of their position (spring 2018-spring 2019).
HOUSING/PARKING/DINING: Additional Move-In details will be provided in summer issues of the FROG Files. FROGs living off-campus in fall 2018 are responsible for making their own arrangements to move into their fall housing assignment prior to training beginning on August 18, 2018. o Be sure to review your lease and contact your landlord prior to the end of the spring semester to make necessary move-in arrangements. At your request, the Orientation Office will furnish a letter indicating your involvement in the Orientation program. Requests should be made by May 1, 2018. FROGs living on-campus in fall 2018 will be able to move into their assigned room on August 18, 2018. The Orientation Office will make the necessary arrangements. FROGs are responsible for purchasing their own parking passes if needed and parking in lots designated by their decal. Orientation will not pay parking tickets. Orientation will provide meals for FROGs throughout training (August 18 th -August 20 th ) and programming (August 21 st -August 24 th ). On Saturday, August 25 th, and Sunday, August 26 th, FROGs will be expected to use their meal plans if they have one. If you have any questions about this, please email Orientation at orientation@jmu.edu. IMPORTANT DATES & DETAILS FROGs must be available to attend and actively participate in all spring and fall trainings and programs that occur on the dates listed below. There are no exceptions for the 1787 August Orientation dates. Because of the intensive FROG responsibilities between the dates of August 18-26, 2018, FROGs are unable to work or train for another job during that time, including, but not limited to Resident Advisers, UREC, etc. Contact Sarah Turman, Coordinator of First Year Student Staff, at turmansa@jmu.edu if you have questions or concerns about any of the dates listed below. Spring 2018 (Only exceptions will be academic requirements) Saturday, April 21 st : Transition Team Training Day (All day) May 1 st : Deadline to request a letter to be sent to off-campus housing landlords. Summer 2018 Read FROG Files and respond promptly to inquiries. August 2018 Actively participate in all FROG training sessions, both move-in days, and responsibly participate in all 1787 Orientation programs. August 18 th -20 th : FROG Training August 21 st -22 nd : First-Year Student Move-In August 22 nd -26 th : 1787 August Orientation Fall 2018/Spring 2019 Maintain contact with first-year students throughout the 2018-2019 academic year. Provide 4 programs/events during fall 2018 semester and submit an online questionnaire. More information about curricular and co-curricular opportunities will be provided throughout training. COMPENSATION FROGS are volunteers and do not receive monetary payment. Meals beginning with dinner on Saturday, August 19 th through breakfast on Saturday, August 25 th (Orientation will preload the breakfast punch for Saturday, August 25 th on JACards for those with meal plans and will give additional meal cards to those without a meal plan). Meals valued at approximately $190 per FROG. Valuable leadership, customer service, facilitation and communication experience. Two amazing FROG shirts! SELECTION PROCESS There are several steps in the selection process. All applicants who successfully complete the application process and meet the GPA and judicial requirement will receive a group interview. If the candidate progresses to the next stage of the selection process, the candidate will receive an individual interview. Candidates will be notified via email of their standing at each stage in the process. Candidates must be available to participate in both group and individual interviews and be available to attend the FROG Transition Team Training Day in order to be selected as a 2018 FROG. 1. Attend an Information Session between January 24 th February 8 th, 2018. 2. Complete the application process. Applications are due: Thursday, February 8 th, 2018, by 5 p.m. in SSC 2200. 3. Group interviews will be held February 23 rd through February 25 th, 2018. 4. Individual interviews will be held March 28 th -March 30 th and April 2 nd -April 6 th, 2018. 5. Attend Transition Team Training Day on April 21 st, 2018.
2018 FIRST YEAR ORIENTATION GUIDE (FROG) COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY ORIENTATION OFFICE Orientation engages students in the learning experience by preparing them to be active and authentic members of the university community. The 2018 Orientation Team is one. Together, we work towards the betterment of those touched by our services and the forward progression of James Madison University. As a volunteer associated with James Madison University s Orientation Office, I understand that we will only be successful if each member of the Orientation Team commits themselves to a high level of excellence. As a FROG, I will: Strive to selflessly serve the first-year students by making a positive difference in their lives and the JMU community. Welcome, encourage, support, and respect all individual differences and diversity amongst everyone I encounter, thereby promoting a welcome and inclusive environment. I will not tolerate any display of prejudice or biases related to ability status, age, class, color, creed, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, HIV status, military status, nationality, physical characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, and other identities not listed. Be authentic and sensitive to the uniqueness of each situation and the individual(s) involved. Encourage first-year students to become involved both academically and socially in university life and will not recruit first-year students for membership in specific student organizations. Provide accurate information and seek out assistance when I do not know the answer. Communicate in a timely manner with appropriate individuals and/or groups when issues arise during and post 1787 August Orientation (i.e. partners, RAs, OPAs, and professional staff). Collaborate with Residence Life to ensure first year student s transition to the JMU community is as smooth as possible. Continue to build positive, lasting relationships with my first-year students throughout the academic year, understanding that my position and responsibilities do not end with 1787 August Orientation. I will continue to serve as a resource by providing opportunities and engaging first-year students in activities and programs that will provide growth and focus on their academic and social transition to JMU. I will commit to planning and/or attending four programs/events with first-year students throughout fall 2018 semester. Recognize that I am always on and will complete all tasks with personal integrity. I will demonstrate responsible acts inside and outside of Orientation and continually act as a positive role model for incoming students, the Orientation staff, and the JMU community. I will also embody professionalism through all social networking sites including but not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, etc. Abstain from promoting or participating in inappropriate activities such as swimming in Newman Lake, going into the Wilson Hall cupola, exploring the tunnels under the quad, attending parties that take place during the week of 1787 August Orientation programming, and/or other similar endeavors. Adhere to the alcohol policies of the university. I will not consume alcohol or any illegal substance within 24 hours of an Orientation event. I will not wear Orientation paraphernalia, including my FROG shirt, in the presence of alcohol. I will not direct or invite students to parties where alcohol or other drug usage is involved. Uphold professional boundaries with all staff members and incoming students. I will not take advantage of my position as a First year Orientation Guide. (i.e. partners, RAs, OPAs, and professional staff) Attend all scheduled events in their entirety and training sessions: o Transition Team Training day (April 21) o 1787 Training (August 18-20) o 1787 events (August 21-26) If I have a meal plan, I will use my plan starting Saturday, August 25 th at lunch through brunch on Sunday, August 26 th, 2018. Participate actively in It s Complicated. Stay positive, smile, and have fun! By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read the statements above and agree to comply with them. I also understand that violation of any of these expectations will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Ramifications can include probation, termination from the FROG position and/or judicial sanctions. Severe violations may result in being ineligible to work for the Orientation Office in the future. Name of FROG Signature of FROG Date Name of OPA Signature of OPA Date Name of Coordinator of Student Staff Signature of Coordinator of Student Staff Date 5