Become A SOAR Leader!

SOAR Leaders are current students – either an undergraduate or graduate student – who assist new students in their transition to life at Long Beach State. SOAR Leaders guide new students through interactive workshops that introduce our campus community, highlight campus resources, inform of University policies, and offer opportunities to create connections with other students.

SOAR Leader Recruitment

Your first step to learning about this paid student-leader position is attending a , which details expectations, requirements, deadlines and the full application/interview process. Visit the SOAR Leader Information Session to view all upcoming session dates, and then reserve your specific Info Session date and time. 


Important Dates

Recruitment for 2026-27 SOAR Leaders is currently in process. 

TimelineDate
Application Due DateFebruary 20, 2026
SOAR Leader Experiential  (Invite Only)March 6, 2026
Group Interviews (Invite Only)March 9 - March 19, 2026
Hiring AnnouncementApril 2026

Note: Application is shared with interested students once they have attended an information session. Please sign up for an information session here: . Additional details will be shared through out the process with applicants via their student email. 


FAQ

Successful applicants are committed to…

  1. Supporting newly admitted students as they begin their transition to the university
  2. Serving as a positive role model for first-semester students
  3. Upholding the mission and goals of the University, Division of Student Affairs, and New Student & Family Program
  4. Championing the university’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence along with diversity, equity and inclusion
  5. Understanding professionalism and timeliness are requirements of the position 

Students hired to serve as a SOAR Leader are required to fulfill the following responsibilities:

  1. Lead interactive workshops that both engages and informs first-semester students
  2. Introduce University history and traditions, campus safety, as well as present important campus resources and University policies and lead campus tours
  3. Facilitate the Orientation to Campus Life & Resources (OCLR) component that explores student support services; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; health & wellness; Title IX requirements; and opportunities for involvement with campus organizations & clubs
  4. Commit to summer employment from June - August, and Winter employment in early January
  5. Staff Lifeguard Stations the first week of classes
  6. Complete other duties as assigned by New Student & Family Programs staff

  1. The SOAR Leader position requires a one-year commitment (exceptions are considered for graduating students) that typically begins in the spring semester and concludes the following spring semester.
  2. SOAR Leaders must be available for full-time employment during the summer and winter breaks (approximately 30 hours/week).  This period of time is devoted to training SOAR Leaders (May/June and January) and hosting orientation workshops (June to August and January).
  3. SOAR Leaders may also be available for part-time employment during the fall and spring semesters (not to exceed 10 hours/week).  This period of time is dedicated to supporting student success programs like First-Year Beach Connections along with student-centered events such as Lifeguard Stations, Week of Welcome, Parent & Family Orientation, NSFP Pop-Ups, Spring Break Kick-Off, etc.

Compensation for first-time SOAR Leaders is minimum wage.  SOAR Leaders, like all student employees, receive their monthly pay on the 15th day of the following month after their start date.

All applicants must meet the qualifications & requirements listed below in order to be offered a SOAR Leader position.

  1. Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (undergrads) or 3.25 cumulative GPA (graduate)
  2. Must be a current Long Beach State undergraduate or graduate student
  3. Must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at Long Beach State
  4. Must be flexible, adaptable, enthusiastic and motivated
  5. Must be able to work with a culturally diverse campus community
  6. Must display effective communication and interpersonal skills

There are several steps to the selection process that include the following:

  1. Attend a SOAR Leader Information Session – Visit the to view all upcoming session dates, and then reserve your specific info session date and time. Sessions begin February 4, 2026 and conclude February 18, 2026.
  2. Complete the SOAR Leader Online Application – Only applicants who attend a SOAR Leader Information Session will have access to the online application. Applicants must complete and submit their application by 5:00pm on Friday, February 20.
  3. Notification of Application Status – After submitting your online application, it will be reviewed and evaluated by a team of current SOAR Leaders and staff.  Those who meet the SOAR Leader Qualifications and receive a passing score on the short answer component will be invited to attend the SOAR Leader Experiential.
  4. SOAR Leader Experiential – This in-person and interactive event allows you to showcase your communication style, as well as your problem-solving and team building skills.  It also helps us get to know you and determine your potential as a member of the SOAR Team. Experiential is invite only and takes place March 6 from 1:00 PM  - 3:30 PM
  5. Group Interview – After completing the SOAR Leader Experiential, selected applicants will sign up for a group interview with the SOAR staff.
  6. Selection Announcement – Finally, applicants will be notified of their application status by early April. Some successful applicants may be placed on a waitlist and notified at a later date if a position becomes available.
  7. Position Commitment - Successful applicants are asked to accept the position within a week of the offer via a Qualtrics form. 

Still have question?  We would love to chat! 

Check out our Instagram at

We can be reached at:

  • New Student and Family Programs - Brotman Hall 270
  • Monday - Friday,  8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • 562-985-5515

 

Reach out to our team at: 

  Senior SOAR Leaders: 

  Program Assistant:

  Associate Director: