University of Wisconsin-Madison - Student jobs
Orientation Leader
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Job Description
- Req#: 510966
Department Overview:
Our mission at the Office of Student Transition and Family Engagement is to understand and improve students' first year at UW-Madison. We are the campus leader and primary resource on the subject of student transition to the campus community. OSTFE supports students in self-reflection and active learning inside and outside of the classroom as they create the foundation for their Wisconsin Experience. We facilitate this process through a long-term inclusive strategy of intentional programming, on-going services, communication, and collaboration with faculty & staff. Anticipated Start Date:
03/21/2026 Anticipated End Date (If Applicable):
August to September 2026 Remote Work Eligibility Detail:
Partially Remote
Anticipated Hours Per Week:
Minimum: 30 Maximum: 40 Schedule:
During the spring semester after first day, 20 hours total throughout the semester. During the summer, SOAR Orientation Leaders can expect to work around 40 hours per week between the hours of 7 am to 9 pm.
Spring Semester Trainings:
-Required 2 day-long trainings on March 21 and April 18th (New OLs will work approximately 3-5 shifts per week after hire in Spring 2026 semester for the OSTFE office)
May Training
-Required May Training: 40 hours/week from May 14-May 28 (off May 25, Memorial Day)
SOAR Summer 2026
-Average 35-40 hours/week starting May 29-August 14thSalary/Wage Range/Lump Sum:
Minimum: $15.00 Maximum: $15.00 Number of Positions:
30 Qualifications:
- Enrolled as a full-time, undergraduate UW-Madison student through Fall 2026 semester. (Graduating seniors are not eligible for this position )
- Current residence is a valid, United States address
- Ability to work in-person for the full duration of the position throughout the summer. Second jobs, a summer class or other commitments cannot conflict with job duties. They must be disclosed and approved by a supervisor prior to accepting the employment offer
- Must be in good academic and non-academic standing with the University at the time of application, hire, start of employment, and through the duration of employment. All non-academic misconduct will be reviewed for employment consideration
- Comfortable with frequent and infrequent movement- i.e. leading students between locations, moving across campus, and/or being in one area during a designated time
- Ability to lift up to 25 poundsKnowledge, Skills & Abilities:
-Strong written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills
-Excellent organizational and time management abilities; punctual and detail-oriented
-Ability to maintain professionalism and positivity in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
-Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills; able to build positive relationships with interns, peers, and professional staff
-Skilled at engaging with diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment
-Adaptable and flexible; able to respond effectively to changing circumstances and on-the-spot adjustments
-Committed to supporting new students and families through their transition to college life
-Capable of balancing independent work with contributing to a team-oriented atmosphere
-Self-driven learner who uses resources effectively, asks thoughtful questions, and seeks innovative solutions
-Problem-solving and prioritization skills to ensure efficient use of time and resources
-Ability to maintain a positive attitude while balancing work requirements with a fun, team-focused environmentPosition Summary/Job Duties:
Job Duties:
-Provide exceptional customer service to students and families before, during, and after their SOAR experience, serving as a knowledgeable resource on UW–Madison’s academic and campus culture
-Answer emails and phone calls from students and their families
-Assist with SOAR reservations and updates in the reservation system
-Greet and check in participants as the first point of contact
-Support daily program logistics, including check-in, wayfinding, delivering instructions, preparing SOAR materials, and maintaining inventory of supplies
-Represent OSTFE values and mission as a front desk resource and through positive, professional interactions in a fast-paced environment
-Facilitate small-group discussions (15–25 students), lead icebreakers, and foster a sense of community among participants
-Engage with students during social evening programs and at campus facilities such as the Bakke Recreation Center
-Serve on panels and speak to incoming families in large-group Q&A sessions (audiences of 300+), sharing personal experiences and answering questions
-Develop and present a short speech to sharing personal experiences at UW
-Collaborate with other OLs, SOAR Interns, OSTFE professional staff, and campus partners to ensure seamless program operations
-Assist campus partner presenters during Parent/Guest sessions by timing presentations, responding to questions, and contributing student perspectives as needed
-Support OSTFE initiatives throughout the year, including Wisconsin Welcome, Family -Weekend, and Transfer Transition Program events
-Collaborate with other OLs, SOAR Interns, and OSTFE professional staff to prepare items for program operational needs
-Demonstrate adaptability and teamwork by stepping in wherever needed
-Perform other duties as assignedPhysical Demands:
-Comfortable with frequent and infrequent movement- i.e. leading students between locations, moving across campus, and/or being in one area during a designated time
-Ability to lift up to 25 poundsInstitutional Statements:
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
UW-Madison is an Equal Employment, Equal Access Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background-people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: diversity.wisc.edu
Accommodation Statement:
If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website:https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/
About the company
The University of Wisconsin is a top-ranked research institution located in Madison, Wisconsin, providing exceptional education opportunities to undergraduates, graduate and professional students.
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