Eastern Student Lauren Polansky of Milford Named As Head Student Orientation Counselor

2016 Jun 6

Lauren Polansky '17 of Milford has been named a head orientation counselor (SOC) for Eastern's upcoming Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) program. Polansky's major is Environmental Earth Science.

Polansky got involved with the SOAR program the first summer after her first year at Eastern and was able to serve as an orientation counselor for two summers prior to obtaining the role of head SOC.

SOAR is Eastern's premier transitional program for incoming freshmen and transfer students. It is coordinated by the Office of Student Activities and led by students trained as SOCs who act as guides and mentors for groups of new students.

Polansky, and only one other student who has been selected as a head SOC, are in charge of ensuring that the SOCs are both qualified and prepared to lead groups of new students through the multi-session orientation process.

Polansky has been training for the position and preparing for SOAR since January 2016. "Being a SOC gives the opportunity to introduce Eastern's campus to the incoming students," Polansky said. "This could be the student's first time on campus, so as a SOC, you might be the first face they see at Eastern. This is why it is the perfect chance to represent the University in a positive way."

Polansky, having been a SOC the past two summers, highlighted the importance of SOCs: "Orientation would not be possible without the 16 SOCs. They each play their own role, but overall, the SOCs are the ones connecting with the students and ensuring that they have the information they need."

Polansky will co-lead the group of SOCs through an intensive weeklong training session, filled with a number of activities and teambuilding exercises, in June.

As a head SOC, she has much more responsibility than last year, and is excited about the opportunity. "Stepping into this role as a head SOC has allowed me to practice my organization and time management skills. There is a lot to get done behind the scenes that you don't see as a SOC, but all the hard work and attention to detail in the planning stages allow for a smooth and successful orientation program," Polansky said.

SOAR is a valuable resource for new students to learn how to succeed academically and socially at Eastern. SOAR allows incoming students to meet other new students, current student leaders and members of the Academic Affairs and Student Affairs staff. Students are also able to receive academic advisement and register themselves for classes for the fall semester.