BECOME A SOPH

What is a Soph?

Sophs help set the tone for Western student experience for first-years. They are their first friendly face, an infinite wealth of knowledge about campus life, and a resource they can turn to throughout their time at Western. 

Sophs are upper-year students who volunteer their time throughout OWeek and the entirety of the academic year to help first-years transition to university life. As a representative of their constituency and the larger Western community, Sophs acts as positive role models and contributes to the creation of a safe and inclusive environment on campus for Western students and staff.

Positions

Application deadline for 2024/25 has passed.

Charity LST Soph

Charity Sophs are responsible for planning, facilitating, and promoting community engagement initiatives for incoming students and Sophs.

Faculty LST Soph

Faculty Sophs primarily support incoming students, both on and off campus, in their academic transition to Western.

Huron Soph

Huron Sophs volunteer as mentors for incoming students at Huron, recognizing that they have different needs than Main Campus students. 

King's Soph

King’s Sophs volunteer as mentors for incoming students at King’s College, recognizing that they have different needs than Main Campus students. 

Off-Campus LST Soph

OC Sophs support students living Off-Campus as they transition to Western.

Residence LST Soph

Residence Sophs’ primary function is to act as emotional and social support for students in residence.

Benefits of Being a Soph

Aside from the major impact Sophs have on first-years, there are many benefits to being part of the Sophing community:

  • Developing life-long friendships
  • Being part of an incredibly diverse and welcoming community
  • Opportunities to develop leadership skills
  • Students meeting the requirements of their role as a Soph will have their position recognized on the Western Co-Curricular Record. Additionally, upon completing NWeek training, Sophs will acquire an official safeTALK certificate.

The sophing community is truly one of the greatest things Western has to offer. It is filled with such strong, caring and empathetic individuals who have made my life exponentially better!

– 2024 Soph Survey

Hiring Timeline & Key Dates

September 15-29, 2025

LST (Head Soph & PA) Application Period

Late October 2025

Soph applications open for all Faculty, Residence and Off-Campus/Charity Soph teams

January 2026

Applications are reviewed and those selected for an interview are contacted

February 2026

Interviews are conducted and offers are sent out.

March 2026

Spring Soph Rally

August 2026

MWeek and NWeek – Soph Training 

September 2026

OWeek!

Sophs had a significant impact on my OWeek experience by creating a welcoming atmosphere, helping me navigate campus and providing valuable advice. Their enthusiasm made the events more enjoyable and helped me connect with other students easily.

– 2024 OWeek Survey

OCrew

OCrew drives the logistical success of USC programming during OWeek. OCrew’s impact is immense, as they work behind the scenes to ensure events run smoothly throughout the week. From coordinating load-ins for the Soph teams and first years, to helping with first-year move-ins, to setting up, taking down and facilitating USC OWeek events, OCrew makes every step of the experience seamless.

OCrew members are not just contributors—they’re leaders. They take charge of event execution, ensuring first-years feel welcomed, engaged, and leave with positive memories of OWeek.

How to Apply

OCrew drives the logistical success of USC programming during OWeek. OCrew’s impact is immense, as they work behind the scenes to ensure events run smoothly throughout the week. From coordinating load-ins for the Soph teams and first years, to helping with first-year move-ins, to setting up, taking down and facilitating USC OWeek events, OCrew makes every step of the experience seamless.

OCrew members are not just contributors—they’re leaders. They take charge of event execution, ensuring first-years feel welcomed, engaged, and leave with positive memories of OWeek.

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