Graduate Assistant for First-Year Orientation – Division of Student Affairs

The Office of First-Year Orientation at Carnegie Mellon University introduces students to an inclusive and caring campus community. During the weeklong Orientation program and through other transition communications and resources, the Office of First-Year Orientation builds the foundation for academic success, community membership, well-being, campus involvement, and pride in being a Tartan. The Office of First-Year Orientation supports the transition of approximately 1,700 new students during the First-Year Orientation program that runs from August 17-25, 2024, as well as throughout the summer and during key points throughout their first year.

The Office of First-Year Orientation is seeking one graduate student to serve as a Graduate Assistant from June 3, 2024 through August 25, 2024. This position is a full-time role working 37.5 hours per week. The Graduate Assistant for First-Year Orientation (GA) joins a team of 3 professional staff members, one administrative assistant, 8 Head Orientation Counselors (HOCs), approximately 27 Orientation Leaders (OLs), and approximately 130 Orientation Counselors (OCs) in the planning and implementation of the First-Year Orientation program.

The Graduate Assistant for First-Year Orientation will work collaboratively with the Associate Dean and Assistant Directors, as well as university staff, faculty, and undergraduate student leaders to plan, develop, and implement orientation and transition programs for first-year students, transfer students, and their families.

The Graduate Assistant for First-Year Orientation will play an active part in achieving the department’s mission through planning and implementing orientation programs. The GA for First-Year Orientation will gain knowledge of university communication to incoming families and students, contribute to student leadership development and training, and understand programmatic logistics. The GA for First-Year Orientation will be supervised by the Assistant Director for First-Year Orientation & Family Engagement.

Your core responsibilities will include:

The Graduate Assistant for First-Year Orientation role is largely focused on supporting the logistics and planning for the First-Year Orientation program. Responsibilities will vary based on program initiatives and the interests of the GA for First-Year Orientation. These may include:

• Assist in the overall planning and implementation of program initiatives including logistics, scheduling, session preparations, and serving as a campus resource, for events including, but not limited to, Summer Welcome Events, Football Orientation, and evening programs during First-Year Orientation

• Plan and implement training sessions for orientation student staff

• Develop and manage relationships with both on-campus offices and off-campus partners and vendors

• Review and edit the First-Year Orientation and Family Orientation websites and First-Year Orientation event app

• Assist with the creation and operation of technology systems used by First-Year Orientation including, but not limited to, our conference style event app, attendance systems, and student scheduling software

• Serve as a liaison between the Office of First-Year Orientation and university partners

• Address in-person, phone, and email inquiries from first-year students, families, and university staff

• Other duties as assigned

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the Division of Student Affairs. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED required; Successful completion of one year of master’s level work in higher education, student affairs, or related field preferred

• Experience working in an office setting with administrative tasks

• Strong organization and project management skills

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment

• Experience planning small- and large-scale campus events

• Experience learning new technologies and applying them in program implementation

Hours per week:

The Graduate Assistant for First-Year Orientation will work 37.5 hours per week. Most hours will be fulfilled Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with occasional weekend or evening hours for special events. Extended hours will be required during student leader training and First-Year Orientation week in August.

Dates of Employment:

The Graduate Assistant for First-Year Orientation will be employed from June 3, 2024 through August 25, 2024. The end date may be flexible based on the successful candidate’s availability.

Please note the following anticipated summer schedule for the Office of First-Year Orientation:

• Summer Orientation planning: June 3, 2024 – August 2, 2024

• HOC Training & Planning Week: August 5, 2024 – August 9, 2024

• Orientation Staff Kick-off Dinner: August 11, 2024

• OL & OC Staff Training: August 12, 2024 - August 16, 2024

• First-Year Move In: August 17, 2024

• Family Orientation: August 18, 2024

• First-Year Orientation: August 19, 2024 – August 25, 2024

Compensation:

The Graduate Assistant for First-Year Orientation will work 37.5 hours per week. This is a fixed-term, benefits eligible position that does not accrue paid time off. Meals are provided from August 12 - 25, 2024.

Application:

Interested candidates should apply by January 31, 2024.

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Non-CMU Students

Position Type

Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Hourly

More Information: 

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

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