Working Title: Orientation Operations Assistant for Summer 2026 (Student) - 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: Health and Wellbeing

Department: 300297 - Orientation Support

Pay Rate: Minimum Starting

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? No

Beginning Review Date: 12/1/2025

About JMU:

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

General Information:

For current JMU students only. The Office of Orientation and Transition is pleased to announce openings for Spring/Summer 2026 for Orientation Operations Assistants. The hired students will work daytime office hours that will fluctuate from 10 to 36 hours as needed. Position is on campus, in Harrisonburg, during the summer, so the applicant should have valid housing and transportation. There are two vacation weeks provided, typically one in May and one in August. Applicant must be transparent about any classes, asynchronous or otherwise, that they are taking during any portion of the summer. A copy of the Spring '26 class schedule will be requested if the applicant is asked to interview.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Professionally answering the phone calls and emails received by the Office of Orientation and Transition from students, families, JMU departments, and other outside constituents.

Learning and using programs like Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Assist incoming students through their One Book steps and completion of the Orientation Reservation process.

Administrative duties such as, but not limited to, filing paperwork, scanning, and labeling

Use creativity in the design of marketing materials, banners, and flyers.

Assist with the student check-in process on programming days.

Prepare materials for students and families to use during Orientation programs

Serve as support staff during Summer Orientation and Weeks of Welcome programming.

Positively represent JMU and the Office of Orientation and Transition with professionalism.

Qualifications:

Be in good disciplinary AND academic standing with James Madison University.

By submitting this application, you authorize the Office of Orientation and Transition to review your university disciplinary records with the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices (OSARP) for the purposes of confirming your disciplinary standing with JMU. You acknowledge and agree that this authorization will remain in effect during the term of your contract/involvement, if chosen for this position.

Applicants must be undergraduate degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduates) through fall 2025, and not studying abroad during the spring or Summer semester 2026.

OOAs must discuss summer class plans with supervisor during the hiring process/enrollment process. (Summer courses impact the number of hours that a student can work during a given week.)

Participate in all required position related meetings, training sessions, and programs.

Must be available to work the required number of hours per week: Feb-Apr (6-8 hours/week, May-Aug (20 to 36 hours/week).

Attend a weekly training during the spring semester. Typically Fridays beginning in February. Additionally, the student will work 4-6 hours each week at the Orientation & Transition front desk.

Additional Posting Information:

Students should provide resume and cover letter stating why they're interested in the position and how they believe that they would benefit from employment with Orientation and Transition.

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.