Department Overview
Our mission at the Office of Student Transition and Family Engagement is to understand and improve students' first year at UW-Madison. We are the campus leader and primary resource on the subject of student transition to the campus community. OSTFE supports students in self-reflection and active learning inside and outside of the classroom as they create the foundation for their Wisconsin Experience. We facilitate this process through a long-term inclusive strategy of intentional programming, on-going services, communication, and collaboration with faculty & staff.
Anticipated Start Date 03/21/2026
Anticipated End Date (If Applicable) August to September 2026
Remote Work Eligibility Detail Partially Remote
Anticipated Hours Per Week Minimum: 30, Maximum: 40
Schedule During the spring semester after first day, 20 hours total throughout the semester. During the summer, SOAR Orientation Leaders can expect to work around 40 hours per week between the hours of 7 am to 9 pm.
Spring Semester Trainings
Required 2 day-long trainings on March 21 and April 18th (New OLs will work approximately 3-5 shifts per week after hire in Spring 2026 semester for the OSTFE office)
May Training
Required May Training: 40 hours/week from May 14 to May 28 (off May 25, Memorial Day)
SOAR Summer 2026
Average 35-40 hours/week starting May 29 to August 14th
Salary/Wage Range/Lump Sum Minimum: $15.00, Maximum: $15.00
Number of Positions 30
Qualifications
Enrolled as a full-time, undergraduate UW-Madison student through Fall 2026 semester. (Graduating seniors are not eligible for this position)
Current residence is a valid, United States address
Ability to work in-person for the full duration of the position throughout the summer. Second jobs, a summer class or other commitments cannot conflict with job duties. They must be disclosed and approved by a supervisor prior to accepting the employment offer
Must be in good academic and non-academic standing with the University at the time of application, hire, start of employment, and through the duration of employment. All non-academic misconduct will be reviewed for employment consideration
Comfortable with frequent and infrequent movement- i.e. leading students between locations, moving across campus, and/or being in one area during a designated time
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills
Excellent organizational and time management abilities; punctual and detail-oriented
Ability to maintain professionalism and positivity in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills; able to build positive relationships with interns, peers, and professional staff
Skilled at engaging with diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment
Adaptable and flexible; able to respond effectively to changing circumstances and on-the-spot adjustments
Committed to supporting new students and families through their transition to college life
Capable of balancing independent work with contributing to a team-oriented atmosphere
Self-driven learner who uses resources effectively, asks thoughtful questions, and seeks innovative solutions
Problem-solving and prioritization skills to ensure efficient use of time and resources
Ability to maintain a positive attitude while balancing work requirements with a fun, team-focused environment
Position Summary / Job Duties
Provide exceptional customer service to students and families before, during, and after their SOAR experience, serving as a knowledgeable resource on UW–Madison’s academic and campus culture
Answer emails and phone calls from students and their families
Assist with SOAR reservations and updates in the reservation system
Greet and check in participants as the first point of contact
Support daily program logistics, including check-in, wayfinding, delivering instructions, preparing SOAR materials, and maintaining inventory of supplies
Represent OSTFE values and mission as a front desk resource and through positive, professional interactions in a fast-paced environment
Facilitate small-group discussions (15–25 students), lead icebreakers, and foster a sense of community among participants
Engage with students during social evening programs and at campus facilities such as the Bakke Recreation Center
Serve on panels and speak to incoming families in large-group Q&A sessions (audiences of 300+), sharing personal experiences and answering questions
Develop and present a short speech to sharing personal experiences at UW
Collaborate with other OLs, SOAR Interns, OSTFE professional staff, and campus partners to ensure seamless program operations
Assist campus partner presenters during Parent/Guest sessions by timing presentations, responding to questions, and contributing student perspectives as needed
Support OSTFE initiatives throughout the year, including Wisconsin Welcome, Family -Weekend, and Transfer Transition Program events
Collaborate with other OLs, SOAR Interns, and OSTFE professional staff to prepare items for program operational needs
Demonstrate adaptability and teamwork by stepping in wherever needed
Perform other duties as assigned
Physical Demands
Comfortable with frequent and infrequent movement- i.e. leading students between locations, moving across campus, and/or being in one area during a designated time
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement UW-Madison is an Equal Employment, Equal Access Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce.
Institutional Statement on Diversity Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background-people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: diversity.wisc.edu
Accommodation Statement If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/
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Anticipated Start Date 03/21/2026
Anticipated End Date (If Applicable) August to September 2026
Remote Work Eligibility Detail Partially Remote
Anticipated Hours Per Week Minimum: 30, Maximum: 40
Schedule During the spring semester after first day, 20 hours total throughout the semester. During the summer, SOAR Orientation Leaders can expect to work around 40 hours per week between the hours of 7 am to 9 pm.
Spring Semester Trainings
Required 2 day-long trainings on March 21 and April 18th (New OLs will work approximately 3-5 shifts per week after hire in Spring 2026 semester for the OSTFE office)
May Training
Required May Training: 40 hours/week from May 14 to May 28 (off May 25, Memorial Day)
SOAR Summer 2026
Average 35-40 hours/week starting May 29 to August 14th
Salary/Wage Range/Lump Sum Minimum: $15.00, Maximum: $15.00
Number of Positions 30
Qualifications
Enrolled as a full-time, undergraduate UW-Madison student through Fall 2026 semester. (Graduating seniors are not eligible for this position)
Current residence is a valid, United States address
Ability to work in-person for the full duration of the position throughout the summer. Second jobs, a summer class or other commitments cannot conflict with job duties. They must be disclosed and approved by a supervisor prior to accepting the employment offer
Must be in good academic and non-academic standing with the University at the time of application, hire, start of employment, and through the duration of employment. All non-academic misconduct will be reviewed for employment consideration
Comfortable with frequent and infrequent movement- i.e. leading students between locations, moving across campus, and/or being in one area during a designated time
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills
Excellent organizational and time management abilities; punctual and detail-oriented
Ability to maintain professionalism and positivity in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills; able to build positive relationships with interns, peers, and professional staff
Skilled at engaging with diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment
Adaptable and flexible; able to respond effectively to changing circumstances and on-the-spot adjustments
Committed to supporting new students and families through their transition to college life
Capable of balancing independent work with contributing to a team-oriented atmosphere
Self-driven learner who uses resources effectively, asks thoughtful questions, and seeks innovative solutions
Problem-solving and prioritization skills to ensure efficient use of time and resources
Ability to maintain a positive attitude while balancing work requirements with a fun, team-focused environment
Position Summary / Job Duties
Provide exceptional customer service to students and families before, during, and after their SOAR experience, serving as a knowledgeable resource on UW–Madison’s academic and campus culture
Answer emails and phone calls from students and their families
Assist with SOAR reservations and updates in the reservation system
Greet and check in participants as the first point of contact
Support daily program logistics, including check-in, wayfinding, delivering instructions, preparing SOAR materials, and maintaining inventory of supplies
Represent OSTFE values and mission as a front desk resource and through positive, professional interactions in a fast-paced environment
Facilitate small-group discussions (15–25 students), lead icebreakers, and foster a sense of community among participants
Engage with students during social evening programs and at campus facilities such as the Bakke Recreation Center
Serve on panels and speak to incoming families in large-group Q&A sessions (audiences of 300+), sharing personal experiences and answering questions
Develop and present a short speech to sharing personal experiences at UW
Collaborate with other OLs, SOAR Interns, OSTFE professional staff, and campus partners to ensure seamless program operations
Assist campus partner presenters during Parent/Guest sessions by timing presentations, responding to questions, and contributing student perspectives as needed
Support OSTFE initiatives throughout the year, including Wisconsin Welcome, Family -Weekend, and Transfer Transition Program events
Collaborate with other OLs, SOAR Interns, and OSTFE professional staff to prepare items for program operational needs
Demonstrate adaptability and teamwork by stepping in wherever needed
Perform other duties as assigned
Physical Demands
Comfortable with frequent and infrequent movement- i.e. leading students between locations, moving across campus, and/or being in one area during a designated time
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement UW-Madison is an Equal Employment, Equal Access Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce.
Institutional Statement on Diversity Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background-people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: diversity.wisc.edu
Accommodation Statement If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/
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