Orientation Leader for International Student Orientation Programs

Position OverviewThe Office of International Support Services (ISS) is seeking a team of resourceful candidates passionate about gaining cross-cultural and leadership experience to fill multiple positions on our Student Orientation Leadership (OL) Team. The OL Team will support the ISS Orientation staff in onboarding newly admitted international students during a week-long international student orientation. As an Orientation Leader, you will play a key role in welcoming new international students, supporting their transition to KU, and helping them forge new connections to build their support network through a community-centered orientation experience.

During orientation programs, you'll guide new students through check-in procedures, answer their questions, and introduce them to campus life and the Lawrence community. While most OLs will be assigned primary responsibilities as group leaders, some may be offered a position with primary team responsibilities, including administrative assistance.

For the Fall 2026 semester, the International Student Orientation will be held in August and is required for both Undergraduate and Graduate students. All OLs are expected to be available throughout the orientation program, i.e., between 8 AM and 7 PM, from August 10th to August 16th.

Orientation Team members selected for the Fall 2026 program may be extended the option to work during the Spring semester orientation in January 2027.

Time Commitment

• Up to 40 hours per week (but typically less than 40 hours).
• Pre-orientation Training: These are paid training sessions, and all orientation leaders must attend. These mandatory training sessions will be scheduled between August 4th and August 6th. Exact dates/times will be determined later.
• Orientation and campus welcome events: August 10th – 16th, 2026 (OLs will be scheduled as needed). Based on your availability and the program needs, you may be assigned to work during the Hawk Week events.
• Your work schedule for the duration of your employment may vary to accommodate program needs, including evening and weekend hours.
  

Responsibilities

Please note that this position entails having no other employment or commitments that limit or conflict with your availability to work a flexible schedule as prescribed by the orientation program's needs.Job DescriptionResponsibilities will be assigned according to the needs of the program and may include, but are not limited to, any or all of the following:

40% - Program & Student Support:

• Promote, encourage, and foster community through participant attendance during Orientation sessions, social activities, and events.
• Help students complete their registration and other required university processes depending on their program level.
• Assist participants in navigating the orientation program schedule and other required appointments, as needed.
• Conduct informational sessions to introduce university resources, campus life, and the Lawrence community from a student’s perspective, to support their transition.
• Facilitate social activities and assist participants during evening and weekend events (as assigned).
• Facilitate small group sessions, including leading icebreaker activities, participating in various panel discussions, presenting informational and cultural adjustment topics, and organizing campus tours.
• Accompany students to the local grocery store and introduce them to local public transportation.
• Be available for general assistance, answer questions, and make referrals as applicable.
  
  

30% - Pre-orientation Preparation:

• Attend mandatory pre-orientation training sessions.
• Learn and retain logistical information about orientation programs, social activities, and other processes, while remaining flexible to adapt quickly to changes.
• Plan interactive and informative sessions about campus and community resources, along with icebreakers and group activities for orientation attendees.
• Prepare for group sessions by creating presentations and/or other materials as needed for the activities planned.
• Help prepare registration materials and assemble welcome packets for the orientation participants.
• Throughout the training, you will support the staff in preparing for various social events scheduled during orientation.
  
  

20% - Administrative & Event Operations:

• Manage a GroupMe account to stay connected with newly admitted students. Assist with answering questions and sending timely reminders during work hours.
• Help transport orientation supplies from the ISS office to the program location throughout the orientation week, as needed.
• Coordinate with fellow OLs throughout the duration of your employment to support the program operations, as needed.
• Assist with the setup and cleanup of meeting and event facilities before and after events.
  
  

10% - Other Duties as Assigned:

• If you're assigned to work during Hawk Week, you'll assist students in navigating the events and help them get to know the campus community.
• Perform related tasks as directed by the ISS supervisory staff.
  
  

Required Qualifications

Completion of one semester of full-time study at KU by the end of Spring 2026, with the most recent semester consisting of ALL regular KU academic courses (no AEC or Continuing Education classes), in good academic standing with the University.

• Experience participating in campus and/or community organizations, activities, or programs, as evidenced by application materials, either while a student at KU or while attending another college or university.
• Previous experience requiring collaborating effectively with people from all cultures as demonstrated by application materials.
• Previous experience requiring communicating effectively in English (both spoken and written) as evidenced by application materials.
• Previous experience requiring facilitating group activities and speaking in front of groups or presenting in an academic setting.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as an International Student Orientation participant and/or orientation volunteer as evidenced by application materials.
• At least one semester in a leadership role at the university level in an organization, committee, or comparable position demonstrating leadership qualities and abilities as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience in event photography or the ability to take professional-quality photos for ISS Instagram as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience speaking/presenting in front of groups as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience studying, working, or living abroad as evidenced by application materials.
• Previous experience requiring effectiveness in using language(s) other than English.
  
  

Position RequirementsDuring the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).Employment Conditions(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.Please note that incomplete applications submitted without references, a cover letter, or a resume will not be considered.

• This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.
• Must be available to attend the pre-orientation training.Additional Candidate InstructionsIn addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
• A resume and cover letter addressing how the required and preferred qualifications are met.
• List 2-3 References
  
  

Submit your applications by Sunday, March 22nd, at 11:59 pm. Application review begins on Monday, March 23rd, and continues until the positions are filled.Contact Information to ApplicantsKeerthana Balashanmuganandam

kbalas@ku.eduAdvertised Salary Range$14/hrAnticipated Start DateTuesday August 4, 2026Apply to Job