What is a Woolie?
Woolies are ambassadors for UMBC who help facilitate the Welcome, Retrievers! program for new students , acting as guides, mentors, and a resource during one of the most important transitions of a student's life. If you love UMBC and want to make a real difference for the incoming class, this is your opportunity.
What You'll Do
As a Woolie, you'll develop relationships with and encourage a group of 45–80 new students to engage with Welcome, Retrievers! events, serve as a resource throughout the first six weeks of the fall semester, and participate in training around topics relevant to welcoming new students to campus.
Day-to-day, that looks like:
- Playing icebreakers and creating community through small group time
- Giving campus and classroom tours and eating meals with new students
- Encouraging attendance at events like Commons Takeover, Involvement Fest, Big Breakfast and Bingo, and more
- Being a guide to the culture and nuance of UMBC
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for a diverse group of students who have a desire and the ability to work with people from various backgrounds, excellent communication skills, leadership potential, and a genuine desire to serve the UMBC community.
You're eligible if you: Are a current undergraduate student who has completed at least one semester at UMBC and are in good judicial, behavioral, and academic standing (minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA).
The Commitment
- Three (3) one hour virtual sessions: various times over summer
- Virtual outreach to new students : early August
- In-person training: August 19–22, 2026
- In Person Program: August 23 through September 1
- Weekly virtual outreach during the first 6 weeks of the fall semester
- Two hours of event support in September or October.
What You Get
Woolies receive a $750 stipend, all work-related meals during in-person training and program core dates, early move-in to fall housing with all early move-in fees waived (for on-campus residents), and free Welcome, Retrievers! apparel.
How to Apply
Applications open March 2 and close March 27 at 11:59 PM.
Questions? Reach out to welcomeretrievers@umbc.edu