Want to be a Woolie?

Welcome Retrievers Leaders (Woolies) are ambassadors for UMBC, and they facilitate Welcome Retrievers for new students at UMBC. Woolies develop relationships and encourage a group of new students to engage with Welcome Retrievers events; sustain relationships with and serve as a resource for new students through the first six weeks of the fall semester; participate in training around topics relevant to welcoming new students to campus.

Summary of Essential Functions

Woolies are ambassadors for UMBC.The help facilitate Welcome Retrievers for new students by acting as guides and mentors to new students. Woolies play an active role in every program during Welcome Retrievers, take initiative to create a supportive environment for new students throughout the first six weeks, and thoroughly understand our campus resources.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Attend all required Trainings and Welcome Retrievers Sessions
• Maintain a positive attitude throughout Woolie Training and Welcome Retrievers
• Serve as a role model for Woolies and new UMBC students
• Take initiative, be proactive, exhibit flexibility, and maintain a friendly and welcoming demeanor.
• Work autonomously when necessary and make well thought out decisions.
• Assist in the move-in process.
• Give new students campus and classroom tours.
• Eat meals with new students.
• Play icebreakers and create campus communities through small group time.
• Encourage attendance at Welcome Retrievers events such as the Outdoor Movie, Community Art Project, Involvement Fest, Big Breakfast and Bingo, and other Welcome Retrievers events.
• Escort students at required Welcome Retrievers events such as Convocation, Academic Toolkits, and DEI trainings.
• Answer questions and be a resource to new students.
• Serve as a guide to the culture and nuance of UMBC.
• Alert appropriate staff regarding student issues or behaviors of concern in new students.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to communicate effectively with new students and teammates, via email and in-person

Strong interpersonal relationship skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others from various backgrounds.

• Must be a current undergraduate student who has completed at least one semester at UMBC
• Must be in good judicial, behavioral, and academic standing (at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA)
• We are looking for a diverse group of students who possess the following:
  • A desire and the ability to work with a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Leadership potential and problem-solving skills
• A desire to serve the UMBC community
• Legally able to work in the US.
• Woolies may not hold positions that are a direct time conflict with trainings, such as RA, Peer Facilitator, SGA Officer, (seb), or OPA. If you have a question about this, please email the Woolie team to inquire.

• Summer Virtual Training (Three 60-minute trainings)
• Virtual Outreach to new students during summer
• Fall In-Person Training – (Woolies Wednesday-Friday August 21-23, 2024, Lead Woolies Tuesday-Friday August 20-23, 2024)
• Welcome Retrievers (Saturday, August 24, 2024 – Sunday, September 1, 2024)
• Virtual Outreach to new students during Fall from Welcome Retrievers through Homecoming (October 27, 2024)
• Two hours of event support at Fall Fridays and/or Homecoming(September – October)

• $500 stipend
• Meals during trainings and Welcome Retrievers
• Move in early to fall housing assignment with all early move-in fees waived, for students who are living on campus
• Free UMBC/Welcome Retrievers Apparel & Swag