On Monday, Nov. 4, Camp War Eagle and Successfully Orienting Students counselors for the 2025 year were officially announced on the back steps of Cater Hall at Auburn University. Friends, family and supporters gathered to cheer on the selected applicants, eagerly waiting for each name to be called.
Camp War Eagle is Auburn’s summer orientation program for incoming freshmen, aiming to prepare them for their time at Auburn and introduce them to fellow freshmen. During the summer, multiple sessions, each spanning two days, are held. In each session, students are organized into smaller groups led by the orientation counselors who help them navigate the university.
The Successfully Orienting Students program complements Camp War Eagle by welcoming all new students entering in the spring semester as well as transfer students. Like Camp War Eagle, Successfully Orienting Students hosts several sessions where counselors guide new students through the ins and outs of Auburn University.
This year's past orientation team helped to serve a record number of students and guests.
Selection to become an orientation counselor is a competitive process. Applicants go through multiple stages, starting with an online application that includes an essay and a PowerPoint slide designed to showcase their personality and why they would be a good counselor. Those who completed this step were invited to the first round of interviews. After initial interviews, applicants faced a selective second-round interview process.
After the second round of interviews, counselors were chosen by the First Year Experience staff alongside the 2025 head orientation counselors, including Gracie Branham, Caleb Fuller, Gracie Streelman, Sareena Lidhar, Will Howe, Lauren Foss and Nate Foster.
Before the callouts started, anticipation filled the air as attendees waited to hear if their name, or the name of a friend, would be called.
As the event began, the head counselors introduced themselves and welcomed attendees, thanking them for coming to show their support.
“Thank you so much to everyone who applied and showed interest in our orientation position,” Fuller said.
“After weeks of preparation and two rounds of interviews, we had many difficult decisions to make,” Foss said.
After the introductions, the head counselors and FYE staff took turns announcing the new orientation counselors, starting by sharing their hometowns. Each name was met with cheers, claps and joyful shouts from the audience. Those selected stepped forward and gathered on the steps of Cater Hall.
72 orientation counselors were selected, with hometowns ranging from nearby Auburn to as far as New York.
When callouts concluded, those who were not selected headed home, while those chosen gathered for a group photo. The new team then went to their first meeting as a group, beginning their journey as orientation counselors at Auburn.
Being chosen as a Camp War Eagle or Successfully Orienting Students counselor is a significant accomplishment. These counselors will participate in weekly training sessions throughout the spring semester to prepare for their responsibilities. Through this training, they will become well-versed in supporting new students and creating a welcoming environment.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
