Orientation Peer Adviser; OPA; IE

Working Title

Orientation Peer Adviser (OPA) - IE

Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study

Institutional Employment

Part-Time

Exempt:
Not Eligible for Overtime

Health and Wellbeing

100165 - 1st Yr Experience/Orientation

Stipend

$4555 (pre-tax)

No

No

No

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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)

Compensation and benefits:

• Stip…