Orientation Peer Adviser (OPA) - IE

JMU Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Meals during Orientation programming

Free housing during Summer Orientation

Orientation apparel

Job summary

James Madison University is seeking an Orientation Peer Adviser (OPA) to support new students during Summer Orientation and Weeks of Welcome. You will welcome students and supporters, serve as a trusted resource, and help with transition to college by sharing experiences and building connections.

The role requires active participation in required programs, a full-time undergraduate student status, and a commitment to inclusivity and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate student and not studying abroad during 2027 spring, summer, or fall semesters.
• Must be a JMU student in good academic AND disciplinary standing.
• Commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all
• An effective and clear communicator with supervisors and peers
• Authenticity, flexibility, and dedication.
• Desire and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Must be able to participate in the weekly, mandatory team training every Friday from 3:00-5:00pm (Jan 29-April 30)
• Must be able to participate in an overnight, off-campus spring retreat. Our office will cover all costs. (Dates tentative)
• Must be able to participate in all summer orientation dates. (Dates provided when available)

Responsibilities

• Attend and actively participate in all required O&T programming, including workshops, retreat, training, and events.
• Assist incoming students in developing positive academic habits, peer relationships, and personal adjustment to JMU.
• Assist parents, family members, and supporters in the transition to JMU through positive interactions.
• Serve as a peer mentor for First year Orientation Guides (FROGs), including recruitment, communication, training, and evaluation.
• Demonstrate leadership with high energy and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Enrolled full-time undergrad

Good academic standing

Welcoming and inclusive

Effective communicator

Authenticity & flexibility

Teamwork

Mandatory weekly training

Overnight retreat participation

Summer orientation participation

Education

Undergraduate student (full-time)

Job description

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

Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division

Health and Wellbeing

Department

100165 - 1st Yr Experience/Orientation

Pay Rate

Stipend

Specify Range or Amount

$4555 (pre-tax)

Is this a JMU only position

No

Is this a grant-funded position

No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position

No

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

Want to make a difference at JMU? As an Orientation Peer Adviser, you'll welcome new students and their supporters during Summer Orientation and the Weeks of Welcome and serve as a trusted resource throughout their transition to college. By sharing your experiences and building meaningful connections, you'll help new Dukes feel supported, confident, and ready to succeed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Attend and actively participate in all required O&T programming, including but not limited to: OPA spring workshops, spring overnight retreat, training, and events; FROG interviews and training; Summer Orientation sessions; and Weeks of Welcome training and programming.
• 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.
• Assist parents, family members, and supporters of students in the transition to JMU through positive interactions.
• 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.
• 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 2027 spring, summer, or fall semester, and will not graduate until December 2027.
• Must be a JMU student in good academic AND disciplinary standing.
• A commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all
• An effective and clear communicator with supervisors and peers
• Authenticity, flexibility, and dedication.
• Desire and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Must be able to participate in the weekly, mandatory team training every Friday from 3:00-5:00pm (Jan 29-April 30)
• Must be able to participate in an overnight, off-campus spring retreat. Our office will cover all costs. (Dates have not been finalized, but tentatively Feb 5-7 or Feb 12-14.)
• Must be able to participate in all summer orientation dates. (Specific dates to be provided when available)

Additional Posting Information

Compensation and benefits:

• Stipend: $4555 (pre-tax)
• Meals during Orientation programming and summer trainings
• Free housing in Apartments on Grace during Summer Orientation dates and training
• Orientation & Transition branded apparel
  ** By submitting this application, you authorize the Office of Orientation & Transition to review your university disciplinary records with the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices for the purposes of confirming your disciplinary standing with James Madison University. You acknowledge and agree that this authorization will remain in effect during the term of your contract/involvement if chosen for this position.

Conditions of Employment

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: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at [phone] or [e-mail]. 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.