Sophs are upper-year student mentors who volunteer their time throughout OWeek and the entirety of the academic year to help first-year students transition to university life. As a representative of their constituency and the larger Western community, Sophs act as positive role models and support the creation of a safe and inclusive environment on campus for all Western students and staff. Sophs are the first friendly face first-year students will meet, an infinite wealth of knowledge about campus life and supports, and a resource first year can turn to throughout their time at Western.
Become a soph
What is a Soph?
Types of sophs
Select a soph team to learn more.
Apply for Soph Roles
Select a soph team to learn more.
Charity Soph
Charity Sophs are responsible for planning, executing, and promoting philanthropic events for incoming students and Sophs.
Faculty 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 Soph
OC Sophs support students living Off-Campus as they transition to Western.
Residence Soph
Residence Sophs’ primary function is to act as emotional and social support for students in residence.
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.
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)
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.
Hiring Timeline & Key Dates
December 6, 2024
Soph applications open for all Faculty, Residence and Off-Campus/Charity Soph teams
January 7, 2025
Soph applications close.
January
Applications are reviewed.
Late January
Those selected for an interview are contacted.
February; Late February
Interviews are conducted and offers are sent out.
April 2025
Spring Soph Rally
August 2025
MWeek and NWeek – Soph Training
September 2025
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)