Working Title: Office of Admissions Front Desk Student Assistant - IE

State Role Title: Institutional Employment / Federal Work Study

Position Type: Institutional Employment

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Admissions

Department: 100175 - Admissions Office

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $12.77

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 03/13/2026

About JMU:

Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.

JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

The Office of Admissions is accepting applications for multiple positions for Front Desk Student Assistants to support the JMU Visitation Team. This position serves a vital role in the daily operations of the office, in particular regarding prospective students and families. Our student assistants are the first to welcome families to campus and will assist them with navigating campus and answering any questions they may have about JMU and life as a student. We are looking for students who would like to share their love and knowledge of JMU with prospective students.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Positively represent JMU and the Office of Admissions with professionalism and exceptional customer service.
• Serve as a receptionist for Holland Yates Hall by answering phones, receiving mail and deliveries, and assisting all visitors who enter the building.
• Assist with writing and sending correspondence to Admissions guests.
• Assist with opening and closing Holland Yates Hall when scheduled during those shifts.
• Assist with checking-in guests during visitation events.
• Answer questions from guests about JMU's student life, student services, and academic programs.
• Provide guests with directions on navigating campus as well as the Harrisonburg area.
• Assist visitors with parking needs.
• Connect guests with the Visitor Relations Coordinator or Director of Day as needed.
• Assist in maintaining the lobby at Holland Yates Hall by restocking materials as needed.
• Managing the technology used for daily Admissions events.
• Perform all duties listed at Admissions events that take place on Saturdays and at other venues on campus as scheduled.

Qualifications:

The qualified student is prompt, reliable, responsible, and demonstrates professionalism to promote a positive image for James Madison University and the Office of Admissions. The student also has a love of JMU, excellent hospitality skills, and can work well with others.

Additional Posting Information:

The Office of Admissions is open 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and 9 AM – 1 PM on Saturdays (in the Fall and Spring semesters). The student must have availability during this time for at least 10 hours of scheduled shifts per week. There are Open Houses and large events during both semesters as well that will be required. The Admissions Office is also open during the summer, and if available, you may work summer hours as well. Summer students need not be registered for classes during the summer sessions.

Conditions of Employment:  

Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or disability-svcs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.