The other side of Orientation - a COG's tale

COG Remy Grey (center) getting new Warhawks into the groove.

It’s 7 a.m. on a Friday morning. Thirty of Auburn Montgomery’s finest students meet on the floor of the Physical Education Complex, chanting and getting themselves pumped up for the day. This is what the Campus Orientation Gurus, better known as COGs, do every morning before orientation begins.

COGs contribute an important aspect to orientations. Their jobs consist of spending time at orientation meetings, talking and getting to know hundreds of students.

"The purpose of a COG is to get people excited about AUM and show how much we love it," said Remy Grey, a junior and history major.

At the beginning of orientations, the incoming students are split into individual groups with COGs as their leaders. During this time, a COG’s role is to show the students everything AUM has to offer, in addition to giving tours of the campus and any helpful advice. Most importantly, COGs share their own personal stories with the students on why they chose AUM.

COG Rebecca Ingram has some important advice for new students.

"We let them know there are people here to help out," said Justin Law, a junior and information technology major. "Not just that one day, but all the time."

"The ideal COG is someone who is energetic, full of life and very knowledgeable and true to the university," said Joel Hughes, Student Activities and Orientation Manager. "They’re genuine in their experience about AUM."

To become a COG, students must apply and interview. Once they’ve been selected, they go through multiple trainings to become more knowledgeable about campus services and anything AUM has to offer. In addition, the COGs prepare for a stroll through campus and a skit to perform at orientations for the incoming students.

Hughes said that orientations have become more engaging, trying to keep it interesting but still provide students with information. He credits icebreakers and having smaller groups with the COGs to help them get to know the students on a more one-on-one basis.

The last two orientations for summer are scheduled for Tuesday, July 31, for transfer students, and Friday, Aug. 3, for incoming freshmen.

Submitted by Rebecca Ingram

July 30, 2012