During the week of Saddle Up, you and a small group of classmates will be assigned
to a group of students called a Poke Pack. Poke Packs are led by one of our student
peer mentors called Poke Pack Leaders and Trail Bosses. Selected across various degree
programs and colleges, these 175 student peer mentors will guide students throughout
the week of Saddle Up.
Many of these students come from our Cowboy Coaching team housed with the Student Success & Graduation Hub and have special training to assist students with the challenges and stresses they’ll
face during their college journey. You will be assigned to your Poke Pack Leader when you check in during Move-in Day on Friday, August 15.
As current students of the university, Poke Pack Leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and perspective to our incoming class. They will serve as your peer mentor to help you get to know the UW campus and answer any questions you may have.
Hiring link for Saddle Up 2026 will be available in spring 2026!
As we prepare for another year of Saddle Up, Poke Pack Leaders will again play an essential role in the week-long programming. Each year throughout the spring semester, we will seek out ambitious students to lead small groups of incoming UW students during Saddle Up. Students can apply for this paid position to boost several skills through training and unmatched experience!
Our Poke Pack Leaders help incoming students build community by getting to know their peers throughout the week! Students get to know those in their pack as well as others at a variety of events around campus during Saddle Up. We look forward to welcoming incoming students to the cowboy family.
