What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grandparents University Counselors | Summer 2026 position at Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association?
Overview
Join the Fun This Summer as a Grandparents University Counselor!
Be a part of a great tradition at UW - Madison! The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is looking to hire 30 Grandparents University® (GPU) Counselors to join us starting June 16th!
Counselors are ambassadors of WFAA and UW-Madison. They lead participants to campus locations and are available to offer general assistance to participants and GPU instructors. Counselors are with participants during the entire program and capture many of the program’s great moments on camera.This is the perfect opportunity for anyone who loves working with people, enjoys an active environment, and wants to spend their summer on the beautiful UW–Madison campus.
Why You’ll Love This Role
- $16/hour
- Free GPU swag: program T‑shirt, water bottle, cinch sack
- Work at one of the most scenic campuses in the country
- Build experience in event planning, customer service, youth programming, and hospitality
- Be part of an award‑winning program that’s been delighting families since 2001
- Capture memories, lead activities, explore campus, and create joy all day long!
What is Grandparents University (GPU)?
GPU is an award-winning program that was started on the UW-Madison campus in the summer of 2001. At GPU, grandparents and their grandchildren come to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus to take part in the Badger experience complete with staying in a campus residence hall, walking around campus, going to class and participating in engaging and hands-on activities, and earning a GPU varsity letter. Check out this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/T2ipbN4boVk
~Important Training & Program Dates~
GPU Training Dates: (Lunch Included)
- GPU Counselor Training: Tuesday, June 16th, 10:00 – 2:00 p.m.
- GPU Instructor and Counselor Meeting: Thursday, June 25th, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
GPU Program Sessions:
Session I: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, July 8-10th
- Program Prep- Wednesday, July 8th 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. includes lunch
- Thursday Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Friday Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. includes breakfast and lunch
Session II: Thursday and Friday, July 16-17th
- July 16: 7 AM-9 PM (includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- July 17: 8 AM-4 PM (includes breakfast and lunch)
Session III: Thursday and Friday, July 23-24th
- July 23: 7 AM-9 PM (includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- July 24: 8 AM-4 PM (includes breakfast and lunch)
From June to July 2026, each counselor will have a total of ~70 hours
*There may be an opportunity for additional hours; the hours above are mandatory.
Essential Functions
- Participate in all meetings and training.
- Assist with move-in and set up.
- Assist with program check-in at the Wisconsin Alumni Association.
- Lead or accompany groups of participants to campus locations.
- Know the program schedule and details.
- Be knowledgeable about the GPU program, from program registration to post event photos and evaluation.
- Assist in taking meaningful, interactive photos.
- Distribute snacks and drinks at break time in the major, clean up when finished.
- Keep the GPU home base well organized.
- Assist GPU instructors, program manager or coordinator as needed.
- Facilitate planned Thursday evening activities.
- Lend general assistance and customer service when needed.
- Organize the grandchildren for the graduation ceremony.
- Be an ambassador to the University of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association.
- Make sure all participants are safe and having a great time!
Qualifications
Who You Are:
- High analytical skills, language, reasoning ability, and problem-solving.
- Ability to prioritize and work with a high degree of independence; ability to work well as part of a team; high degree of customer service skills; excellent analytical and interpersonal skills, including ability to express all appropriate information clearly and concisely, whether written or verbal; ability to manage several projects simultaneously
- Familiarity with the UW-Madison campus.
- Demonstrated experience in event planning and execution, summer camps, retail, or the service industry is all helpful
- This is a very active position. During set up and execution, this position will be mostly on their feet with lots of walking and moving around. Candidates may need to be able to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer *The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (advanceuw.org) is the “doing business as” name of the merged organization comprising the University of Wisconsin Foundation (supportuw.org) and the Wisconsin Alumni Association (uwalumni.com). Its legal corporate name is registered as the University of Wisconsin Foundation.
Salary : $16