JMU - FROGS
First yeaR Orientation Guide (FrOG)
The Orientation Office invites dedicated, academically-focused and responsible students to serve as First yeaR Orientation Guides (FrOGs) for 2012. As a FrOG, you will assist incoming first-year students in their academic, personal and social transition and serve as a representative of James Madison University throughout 1787 August Orientation. You will also have an opportunity to learn valuable leadership, customer service and small group facilitation skills, while connecting with other inspiring leaders from across campus.
FrOGs are a diverse group of undergraduate students who are committed to preparing students to be active and authentic participants in the JMU learning experience. Applicants of all backgrounds, majors, involvements, interests and previous leadership experiences are encouraged to apply. This year we will be selecting a representative group of First yeaR Orientation Guides to participate in the 2012 1787 August Orientation experience and beyond.
Info Sessions
You are required to attend an information session as part of the 2012 FrOG application process. Please do not wait until the last minute to attend; plan accordingly!
Information sessions are offered at the following dates and times:
|
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
|
Wednesday, January 18th |
12:00pm-1:00pm |
Taylor Hall, Room 405 |
|
Thursday, January 19th |
5:00pm-6:00pm |
Allegheny Room, Festival |
|
Friday, January 20th |
2:30p m-3:30pm |
Taylor Hall, Room 405 |
|
Monday, January 23rd |
7:30pm-8:30pm |
Taylor Hall, Room 405 |
|
Tuesday, January 24th |
11:00am-12:00pm |
Highlands Room, Festival |
|
Tuesday, January 24th |
3:00pm-4:00pm |
Taylor Hall, Room 4 05 |
|
Wednesday, January 25th |
3:30pm-4:30pm |
Grafton Stovall Theatre |
|
Wednesday, January 25th |
6:30pm-7:30pm |
Highlands Room, Festival |
|
Thursday, January 26th |
2:00pm-3:00pm |
Taylor Hall, Room 404 |
|
Thursday, January 26th |
6:00pm-7:00pm |
Highlands Room, Festival |
|
Friday, January 27th |
1:30pm-2:30pm |
Highlands Room, Festival |
|
Monday, January 30th |
7:30pm-8:30pm |
Taylor Hall, Room 405 |
|
Tuesday, January 31st |
1:00pm-2:00pm |
Allegheny Room, Festival |
What is a First yeaR Orientation Guide (FrOG)?
FrOGs are a diverse group of undergraduate students who are committed to preparing students to be active and authentic participants in the JMU learning experience. As a FROG, you will have the opportunity to work hard during training and 1787 August Orientation, assist incoming first-year students in their academic, personal and social transition, and serve as a representative of James Madison University. You will also have an opportunity to learn valuable leadership, customer service and small group facilitation skills while connecting with other inspiring leaders from across campus. Applicants of all backgrounds, majors, involvements, interests and previous leadership experiences are encouraged to apply.
Where can I talk with someone in person about being a First yeaR Orientation Guide?
Interested applicants are required to attend one of our Mandatory Information Sessions. These take place throughout the recruitment period and are designed to provide you with additional information about being a FROG and give you an opportunity to ask any questions that you may have. Dates, times and locations are available at the top of this webpage.
You can also stop by the Orientation Office located on the first floor of Wilson Hall in Room 113. The Orientation Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may also contact the Orientation Office at (540) 568-1787 or orientation@jmu.edu.
What are you looking for in a First yeaR Orientation Guide?
The Orientation Office is looking for dedicated, academically focused and responsible students to serve as FrOGs. No previous leadership experience is necessary. All you need is a willingness to grow from the experience, learn about yourself and be committed to serving incoming first-year students at JMU!
Is there a minimum G.P.A. requirement?
Yes. Based on our desire for FrOGs to serve as academic mentors and role models to incoming students, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for the FrOG position. When you sign the Acknowledgment Statement on the application, you are giving the Orientation Office permission to confirm your academic standing with JMU. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns about this. You may contact our office at (540) 568-1787 or orientation@jmu.edu.
Do First yeaR Orientation Guides get paid?
No, FrOGs are volunteers, and as such, do not receive any monetary compensation for their time. We believe the most beneficial rewards come from gaining valuable leadership, customer service, facilitation and communication skills. Throughout training, FrOGs are provided meals beginning with dinner on Saturday, August 20 through dinner on Friday, August 24th. Two FrOG shirts and a name tag are also provided.
Can I study abroad in fall 2012 if I am a First yeaR Orientation Guide?
No. In order to fulfill their responsibilities, FrOGs are expected to be enrolled JMU students and located in Harrisonburg during the Fall 2012 semester.
How many First yeaR Orientation Guides do you select?
We will be selecting approximately 265 FROGs this year!
When are applications due?
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 by 5:00 p.m. to Grafton-Stovall Theatre.
I have a strike, can I still be a First yeaR Orientation Guide?
It depends! When you sign the Acknowledgement Statement on the FrOG Application, you give us permission to check your disciplinary standing with the Office of Judicial Affairs and with the Office of Residence Life. Each situation is addressed on a case by case basis.
I've heard that First yeaR Orientation Guides can't work at or train for other jobs during FrOG Training and 1787 August Orientation. Can you tell me more about that?
Due to intensive Orientation Team responsibilities between the dates of August 18-26, 2012, FrOGs are unable to work at or train for another job during that time. FrOGs typically work 12-18 hour days during this time period. It is an expectation of the position that you be available and attentive to your group of first-year students. Please contact the Orientation Office if you have questions about this.
I'm living on-campus in fall 2012. Is there anything I should know?
FrOGs who will be living on-campus in fall 2012 will be able to move into their fall housing assignment on Saturday, August 18. You will need to be checked in to your hall, or on-campus Greek housing, in order to begin training for 1787 August Orientation at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 18th.
I'm living off-campus in fall 2012. Is there anything I should know?
FrOGs who will be living off-campus in fall 2012 are responsible for making their own arrangements to move into their fall housing assignment by Saturday, August 18. You will need to move into your fall housing assignment on or before August 18, in order to begin training for 1787 August Orientation at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 18.
How does the selection process work?
There are three stages in the selection process:
1. Paper Screening (Applications are due Wednesday, February 1, 2012 by 5:00pm)
2. Group Interviews (February 17-19, 2012)
3. Individual Interviews (Starting March 17th)
Although all applicants will go through the paper screening, only selected candidates will advance to the group interviews. After group interviews are complete, selected candidates will continue to the individual interviews. The selection process will be completed and candidates notified by April 5, 2012.
You didn't answer my question… what now?
We would love to hear any questions that you might have. Please contact Steven Krzanowski, Coordinator of Transition programs in Orientation or the 1787 Coordinators at orientation@jmu.edu or 540-568-1787 with your questions and allow up to 48 hours for a response.
Commitment to Excellence
First yeaR Orientation Guide Position Description
Apply to be a FROG!
Mission Statement
Orientation engages students in the JMU learning experience by preparing them to be active and authentic members of the university community.
2012 Transfer Dates
Summer Springboard:
May 31, June 1, 4 & 5
1787 August Orientation:
August 24-26
2012 First-Year Dates
Summer Springboard:
June 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 28, 29
July 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, & 13
Residence Hall Move-in:
August 21 or 22
1787 August Orientation:
August 22-26
