Of the many groups assisting new students during Welcome Week, perhaps none stand out more than members of the Hoot Squad. While their bright red shirts and distinctive hoot call get them noticed, the connections they make with new students leave a lasting impression.

The Hoot Squad is a group of upperclassmen who volunteer during Welcome Week to help students move into residence halls and introduce them to campus life. Most importantly, Hoot Squad members are a friendly face for incoming students.

Now in its sixth year, the program has built a reputation for successfully helping students adapt to campus life. So much so that incoming students who have good Welcome Week experiences often join the team the following year, says Chris Carey, associate director of Student Activities and one of two staff members working with the group this year.

This year, the Hoot Squad comprises about 45 members, 15 of whom have served in prior years. Volunteers vary by major and class year, but share several common personality traits. An outgoing and friendly disposition are imperative, as well as a commitment to the Welcome Week program, said Carey.

“The most important factor is finding someone who loves Temple,” he said.

To help members of the Hoot Squad bond with one another, the group participates in a day of team building and training before Welcome Week begins.

“We explain our expectations and the Welcome Week schedule, and it’s an opportunity to create positive energy so members feel good about the program,” said Carey.

Part of the day is also spent with resident assistants, who work hand in hand with Hoot Squad members througout the move-in process.

Tatiana Bowlie, a junior and new Hoot Squad member, said the training activities helped prepare her to interact with incoming students.

“This entire week is an icebreaker,” she said. “You have to learn to introduce yourself and get to know so many other people, from fellow Hoot Squad members to resident assistants and new students.”

Tatiana said her experiences the first day were extremely rewarding. She helped freshmen shake off first-day jitters and got to know many new people, which is one of the reasons she joined the Hoot Squad in the first place.

“I wanted to network, get more involved and feel like I was part of something bigger on campus,” she said.

That’s exactly the feeling the Hoot Squad aims to instill in new students, says Carey.

“We want to help our new students connect to campus and create those first relationships, so they feel like this is home.”