On Monday, November 4, the 2025 Camp War Eagle and Successful Orientation Cadet advisors were officially announced on the back steps of Auburn University’s Cater Hall. Friends, family and supporters gathered to cheer on the selected candidates and eagerly awaited each name to be called.

Camp War Eagle is Auburn’s summer orientation program for freshmen and is intended to prepare them for their time at Auburn and introduce them to first-year students. Multiple sessions are held during the summer months, each spanning two days. During each session, students are divided into smaller groups led by orientation counselors who help them navigate the university.

The Successful Orientation Students program complements Camp War Eagle by welcoming all new students and transfer students entering the spring semester. Like Camp War Eagle, Successfully Navigating Students hosts a variety of sessions where counselors guide new students through the ins and outs of Auburn University.

This year’s past orientation team helped serve a record number of students and guests.

Choosing to become an orientation counselor is a competitive process. Candidates go through several stages, starting with an online application that includes an essay and PowerPoint slide designed to showcase their personality and why they would make a good consultant. Those who completed this step were invited to the first round of interviews. After initial interviews, applicants faced a selective second-round interview process.

Following a second round of interviews, advisors were selected by First Year Experience staff along with 2025 lead orientation advisors, including Gracie Branham, Caleb Fuller, Gracie Streelman, Sareena Lidhar, Will Howe, Lauren Foss and Nate Foster.

Before the calls began, anticipation filled the air as participants waited to hear their or a friend’s name called.

As the event began, the lead advisors introduced themselves and greeted the attendees, thanking them for coming to show their support.

“I would like to thank everyone who applied and showed interest in our orientation position,” said Fuller.

“After weeks of preparation and two rounds of meetings, we had many difficult decisions to make,” Foss said.

Following the introductions, chief advisors and FYE staff took turns announcing the new orientation advisors, starting by sharing their hometowns. Each name was greeted with cheers, applause and joyful shouts from the audience. Those chosen came forward and gathered on the steps of the Refreshment Hall.

72 orientation counselors were selected, whose hometowns ranged from nearby Auburn to New York.

When the explanations ended, those who were not selected headed home, while those who were selected gathered for a group photo. The new team then went to their first meeting as a group and began their journey as orientation counselors at Auburn.

Being selected as a Camp War Eagle or Successful Student Guidance counselor is a significant accomplishment. These counselors will attend weekly training sessions throughout the spring semester to prepare for their responsibilities. Thanks to this training, they will gain knowledge about supporting new students and creating a warm environment.