ORIENTATION PEER ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Orientation Peer Assistant
Office of New Student and Family Programs
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Brief Position Description: : The Office of New Student and Family Programs employs undergraduate students who are committed
to assisting new and transfer students with their transition to Minnesota State University, Mankato. Orientation reinforces the
University’s mission to educate students for a global community by facilitating both personal and academic successes of new
students at Minnesota State Mankato. The Orientation staff members serve as positive role models and mentors, discussion
leaders, tour guides, and educators. The Orientation Peer Assistants are a key component for a successful transition to college for
students new to Minnesota State Mankato. Supervisors: Graduate Assistant and Assistant Director for Orientation Programs
Time Commitment:
 Summer Orientation responsibilities begin May 17-July 20, 2015. There will also be a required training session in April 2015.
 Staff will be enlisted to assist with outreach projects as well as Orientation sessions in August, November, January, April,
and periodically throughout the 2015-2016 academic year
Benefits & Compensation:
 Compensation for the Summer 2015 will be approximately $3,250 (FICA is withheld during Summer employment)
 Compensation from August-April will be hourly based at the rate of $9.15/hour.
 Free on campus housing for duration of Summer Orientation programs only (May 17- July 20, 2015 ONLY)
 Meals are provided when Orientation programs are in session, meals not provided during training
 Earned University Credit for Orientation Peer Assistant experience (CSP 491)
Minimum Qualifications:
 Current full-time undergraduate MSU student
 A MSU cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and a commitment to academics
 Good academic, judicial, and employment standing at MSU throughout the duration of the appointment
 Completion of 24 credit hours from MSU by Summer 2015
 Ability to work with minimal supervision and take initiative
 Must be available for all scheduled Orientation dates including evening shifts during Summer Orientation
 Ability to work in a team-oriented environment
 Proficient English speaking skills
Preferred Characteristics:
 Strong communication skills including verbal, written, and interpersonal
 Knowledge of campus resources and information
 Comfort addressing diverse groups of individuals
 Ability to motivate self, others while maintaining a upbeat and positive attitude throughout the sessions
 Previous campus involvement and time management skills
Responsibilities:
 Serve as an appropriate role model and mentor for new students to MSU
 Coordinate small group activities designed to be both educational and social
 Assist with loading and unloading of materials
 Expected to generate an appearance of professionalism
 Required to be available throughout the entirety of each Orientation program
 Required to stay on campus while on duty and during New Student Orientation programs
 Assist with projects within the office
 Other duties as assigned by the supervisors
Minnesota State University, Mankato is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. It does not discriminate in its
employment, admissions, or related service programs.
OPA Interview Dates and Information
OPA Position and Application Information Meetings (not required, but highly encouraged):
 January 15, 2015 at 8:30 p.m. in Preska Residence Community 126
Application and Interview Timeline
 All Application Materials DUE: January 29, 2015 by 4:00 p.m.
 Individual Interview Notifications Sent via Email: February 11, 2015
 Individual Candidate Interviews (if selected): February 18-25, 2015
 Group Interview Notifications Sent via Email: February 27, 2015 by NOON
 Group Interview (if selected): Sunday, March 1, 2015 (1:00-4:00 p.m.)- This is the only group interview date and time. All
candidates selected for a group Interview must attend this session.
 OPA Job Offers Sent via Email: March 6, 2015
 OPA Contract Due: March 17, 2015
Required Orientation Dates (Subject to Change):
OPA Spring Training
April 24 and April 25, 2015
Orientation Training
May 17-June 2, 2015 (No weekends, after May 17, 2015)
Summer Orientation Dates (Tentative Until Approved)
Transfer Orientation Dates
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Friday, June 19, 2015
Friday, July 10, 2015
Wednesday, August 19, 2015 (Transfer Only)
Thursday, August 20, 2015 (International Orientation)
Friday, August 21, 2015 (New and Transfer Students)
New Student (First Year) Orientation Dates
Session 1: June 4-5, 2015 (Thursday-Friday)
Session 2: June 8-9, 2015 (Monday-Tuesday)
Session 3: June 10-11, 2015 (Wednesday-Thursday)
Session 4: Friday, June 12, 2015 (One Day Pilot)
Session 5: June 15-16, 2015 (Monday-Tuesday)
Session 6: June 17-18, 2015 (Wednesday-Thursday)
Session 7: June 22-23, 2015 (Monday-Tuesday)
Session 8: June 24-25, 2015 (Wednesday-Thursday)
Vacation: Friday, June 26-July 5, 2014
Session 9: Tuesday, July 7, 2015 (One Day Pilot)
Session 10: Thursday, July 9, 2015 (One Day Pilot)
Session 11: July 13-14, 2015 (Monday-Tuesday)
Session 12: July 15-16, 2015 (Wednesday-Thursday)
Session 13: Friday, July 17, 2015 (One Day Pilot)
Orientation Mid-Summer Preparation
July 6, 2015
Orientation Summer Wrap Up
July 20, 2015
August Preparation
August 18, 2015
Academic Year Orientation Dates
November 20, 2015
January 7, 2016 (International Orientation)
January 8, 2016
April 15, 2016
April 22. 2016
Minnesota State University, Mankato is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. It does not discriminate in its employment, admissions,
or related service programs.