Month: May 2022

“Who are these students calling me, and why should I pick up the phone?” If you’ve ever received a phone call from Auburn University’s Tiger STRIPES, you may have asked yourself these two questions. We get it. We would be a little skeptical too, so we’re here to put you at ease. So, who are these students? Tiger STRIPES are student telecounselors who build relationships with prospective students and their families over the phone. Why should you pick up the phone? The answer is simple: You get to hear real stories from real students. We may be slightly biased, but we also think they’re pretty cool, and they’re available to answer all of your lingering questions about Auburn University. Check out stories from Kara, Cassi, and Victoria –current telecounselors who give you the inside scoop on all things Auburn: the admission process, student life, and more!

Kara Mautz, senior in Human Development and Family Sciences, with a minor in Journalism

I decided to apply to be a telecounselor because I thought it would be so rewarding to speak with students considering Auburn and make their application process a little easier. I am a senior this year at Auburn, and I have loved my experience and time at Auburn. However, I remember how overwhelming and stressful the application process was when I was applying to colleges. When I saw the application to become a telecounselor for Tiger STRIPES, I knew I had to apply. Working as a telecounselor has been one of my favorite experiences at Auburn. I have had the opportunity to help hundreds of students complete their applications, register for housing, apply for scholarships and so much more. Through my job at Tiger STRIPES, I have been able to spread the Auburn spirit and help potential students experience the power of the Auburn family through the phone.

Cassi Taylor, senior in Finance & Business Analytics

The Tiger STRIPES are a group of students who share information regarding the application process, as well as the admitted process. We help answer questions about the admissions process and applications, such as the admission application, On-Campus Housing application and the AUSOM Scholarship Application, as well as simply give out information such as key dates and deadlines. We are also here to simply give the incoming freshmen a “student’s perspective”, and that immediately builds a certain kind of relationship that cannot be built with staff members of the university. The connections made and real advice given to incoming students is remarkable and helps the new students really get a feel for what their new life will be like. I was afraid of how my life would change at Auburn and wish I had a resource such as the Tiger STRIPES to be able to talk with someone in a safe environment. The Tiger STRIPES are also a diverse group when it comes to majors, as we all are in different colleges. This gives us the ability to connect with most students because we have the experience to share. It is a great program filled with kind and helpful individuals who love Auburn and want incoming students to love it as much as we do.

When I came to Auburn for my campus tour, I immediately fell in love with Auburn. I also fell in love with how much the students loved Auburn as well, especially the recruiters who take time out of their busy days to help incoming students. I knew I wanted to be involved in that process, and I came across the opportunity to work with the Tiger STRIPES. There could not have been a better fit for me personally; I love to talk, as well as give advice to those willing to listen. I also love Auburn, and I take pride in being able to share my love for Auburn. I am a big people person, and being a Tiger STRIPES allows me to connect with people from all different locations. Being a Tiger STRIPES has helped me gain better speaking and communication skills, those of which I did not have before. It also doesn’t hurt that the university provides such great benefits to those who work for Auburn. As an employee of the university, I am allowed priority registration to build a schedule perfect for me, which is something you cannot have when working off campus. We also do not have to work during any student breaks, such as Christmas/Winter break, as well as Spring Break. The kicker, though, is that you are allowed to work extra hours when available, meaning if I wanted to work during those breaks, I can. There are also opportunities for extra hours during the regular weeks, so if I do not have a lot of schoolwork, I can come to my favorite place and get some hours in! Besides the phenomenal benefits, being able to share my love for Auburn daily never gets tiring, and I learn more about myself and Auburn every day.

Victoria Pitman, senior in Exercise Science

I am Victoria and I am a senior at Auburn University in Exercise Science. I am an out-of-state student who decided to come to Auburn and fell in love with the community it provided me. Talking to a telecounselor allows for a direct line to students who experienced things that you are going to go through or are already experiencing. We are here to help and love talking especially about Auburn University. We can help clear up questions you may have or just provide you insight on student life. 

I love being a telecounselor because I find joy in talking to potential students about Auburn University. Being a senior, I have experienced so many great memories in Auburn, so, when talking to incoming freshmen I love being able to talk about how life-changing this university was to me. I also love this job because it gives me an opportunity to connect with the future of Auburn University. I will never forget having the ability to call a student and let them know that they were accepted. The joy in the voice of the student will always stick with me. The benefits of this job are plentiful but my kind and outgoing coworkers as well as the low-stress work environment cultivate the best conversations with incoming students.