Orientation Assistant - Student hourly at InsideHigherEd

Position OverviewThe Center for Orientation & Transition Programs (OTP) is dedicated to creating and curating experiences that promote academic discovery, community engagement, and fostering a sense of belonging.

Orientation Assistants (OAs) serve as members of the Center for Orientation & Transition Programs staff and work toward the goal of assisting new students with their academic, social, and personal transition to the University of Kansas.

The OA position is a year-round role. OAs are expected to work Orientation, Hawk Week, additional Transition Programs, and may work in the office throughout the academic year. Job Description70% Orientation Execution and Customer Service

• Manage and lead a student group of up to 30 incoming students during Orientation sessions
• Facilitate small group discussions and provide pertinent information to incoming students about all things KU, including policies, procedures, involvement opportunities, campus resources, and more
• Develop interpersonal communication skills through OA training and during the OA role
• Provide excellent customer service throughout all portions of the Orientation and Transition process, including but not limited to Orientation sessions, Hawk Week, and at the OTP front desk
• Develop public speaking skills through leading student groups and time on stage in front of over 400 Orientation attendees
• Leverage critical thinking skills through on-the-job adaptability

30% Professional Development

• Engage and interface with incoming students, current students, parents & guests, and campus partners throughout Orientation and during the academic year
• Develop knowledge of a variety of campus units and resources through OA training
• Receive and provide feedback on the OA role and experience with OTP staff and leadership
• Utilize conflict management and delivery method changes when needed and appropriate
• Positively and responsibly represent the University of Kansas to incoming Jayhawks, current students, parents & guests, and campus partners throughout all OTP programs

Required Qualifications

1. Available for online asynchronous training in Spring 2026
2. Available Saturday April 11th for first in-person training session
3. Available Summer 2026
   • OAs are required to be present during OA training from May 18th - May 22nd
   • Summer Orientation Sessions
     • May 26th-June 12th, July 13th-July 24th, August 18th-19th
     • Hawk Week
     • OAs are prohibited from taking in-person courses in the Summer, but online enrollment is welcome
4. Undergraduate student standing (sophomore, junior, or senior status by Fall 2026 students preferred who can work through May 2027)
5. Minimum GPA requirement of 2.5
6. Experience with mentorship and leadership as demonstrated in application materials.
7. Strong written communication, organization, and time management skills as demonstrated in application materials.
8. Prior experience working and thriving on a team as demonstrated in application materials.

Preferred QualificationsOrientation Assistants should possess and demonstrate the following:

1. A strong desire to help others and give back to new Jayhawks as evidenced by application materials.
2. A strong desire to mentor, lead, and inspire new Jayhawks as evidenced by application materials.
3. Ability to serve as a role model, demonstrating good judgement and ethical behavior as evidenced by application materials.
4. Strong academic skills, including knowledge of their own academic program(s) as evidenced by application materials.
5. Strong communication skills, with an emphasis on public speaking and interpersonal communication as evidenced by application materials.
6. Ability to manage stressful situations in a calm and professional manner as evidenced by application materials.
7. Motivation of self and others as evidenced by application materials.
8. Adaptability during any part of programming (beginning, during, after)
9. Responsible and reliable as evidenced by application materials.

Position RequirementsDuring the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).Employment Conditions(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.

(2) This is an hourly position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly position and a salaried graduate position (GRA/GTA/GA) concurrently.Additional Candidate InstructionsIn addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.

To ensure consideration apply before the application review date 2/9/2026. The review of applications is ongoing, hires will be made throughout the posting period.Contact Information to Applicants[email protected]Advertised Salary Range$14.00 per hourAnticipated Start DateSunday March 1, 2026Apply to Job