Working Title: Orientation Peer Adviser (OPA) - 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: 100165 - 1st Yr Experience/Orientation

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: $4555 (before taxes)

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: 09/29/2025

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:

Compensation includes:
--$4555 stipend (before taxes)
--Housing for Summer Training and Summer Orientation (Dates subject to change, but tentatively 5/31-July 24)
--Meals Provided during Summer & Fall Training, Summer Orientation, and Weeks of Welcome

As an Orientation Peer Adviser, you’ll help new Dukes feel at home at JMU. From leading Summer Orientation and Weeks of Welcome events to sharing your student experience, you’ll play a key role in helping students and their supporters connect, belong, and thrive. This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to make a real impact. If you’re passionate about JMU and want to help others start strong, apply to be an OPA!

** By applying for this position, you authorize the Office of Orientation & Transition to conduct a background check with the Title IX Office and OSARP to verify your academic and disciplinary standing with the university, due to the sensitive material involved with this position. This background check includes reports and ongoing disciplinary proceedings. Background checks may be conducted at any time during your employment, not just during the application process. **

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Attend spring training workshops focused on student leadership development, reflecting on your JMU experience, team dynamics, and more.
2. Attend and actively participate in all required O&T programming, including but not limited to: OPA workshops, training and events, FROG interviews and training, Summer Orientation sessions, Weeks of Welcome training and programming.
3. Assist incoming students in developing positive academic habits, peer relationships, and personal adjustment to JMU through small & large group discussions, individual peer interactions, and presentations.
4. Assist parents, family members, and supporters of students in the transition to JMU through positive interactions.
6. Serve as a peer mentor for First yeaR Orientation Guides (FROGs). This includes assisting in the FROG recruitment and selection process, communicating with FROGs, training, supervising, and evaluating FROGs during Weeks of Welcome.
7. Demonstrate leadership by maintaining high energy and enthusiasm throughout long days, being flexible in a fast-paced environment, and showcasing a commitment to excellence.

Qualifications:

-Must be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate student, not studying abroad during the 2026 spring, summer, or fall semester, and will not graduate until December 2026.
-A commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all
- An effective and clear communicator with supervisors and peers
-Authenticity, flexibility, and dedication.
- Passionate about helping others
-Desire and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
-Must be able to attend/be available for all dates listed in the attached OPA Important Dates document.

Additional Posting Information:

-Because of the time commitment related to this position, OPAs are not allowed to hold or train for another university position between these dates: May 31-July 24
*University positions whose start dates fall between August 8, and August 25 will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. (These dates are subject to change).
-Students may hold an off-campus job as long as it will not prevent them from attending all Orientation & Transition training workshops & programming.
-If a student needs to take a summer course, their eligibility will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

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.