Jayhawk Jumpstart Student Leader


Position Overview

Hawk Link is seeking exceptional student leaders passionate about engaging incoming KU students. Student leaders are vital members of the Hawk Link team and will play an active role in supporting students in their academic and professional goals by acting as guides, role models, and community builders. The student leaders in this role will be involved in Jayhawk JumpStart.

JumpStart is a freshman transition program that provides activities, workshops, and networking to help students adjust to college and prepare for their first day at KU. It is available to incoming first-time freshmen who are First-Generation or Pell-eligible, preferably both.

Student leaders are expected to attend virtual training workshops during the Spring 2025 semester, in-person training August 7-8, and the full week of events during Jayhawk JumpStart, August 10-14, 2025. Student leaders will be provided with meals during JumpStart week and in-person training sessions. Those who live on campus will have housing covered.

Students hired for this role will also be eligible for consideration as a student specialist in the Hawk Link office during the 2025-2026 school year.

Job Description

100% Lead, guide, and connect with students through sessions covering topics including:
  • Finding friends and making campus connections.
  • College basics, including what to expect for your first day at KU and the college experience.
  • Understanding their degree and career pathways.
  • Academic skills for college.
  • Using KU Technology.
  • Exploring on-campus support services.
  • Time management, including balancing classes, work/internships, and college experiences.

Required Qualifications

  • Must have a year or more of attendance at KU by the Summer of 2025 as evidenced by application materials
  • During 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 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)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Excellent communication skills as evidenced by application and interview
    • Prior experience leading or presenting to small groups as evidenced by application
    • Understanding of KU academic resources, policies, procedures, initiatives, and communities
    • Personal experience overcoming barriers faced by first generation and low-income students
    • Work-study eligible

Additional Candidate Instructions

To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a resume and cover letter in addition to the application online. The 1-page cover letter must include, how you have used campus resources to overcome a challenge at KU. In addition, share any work or volunteer experience you have that speaks to your ability to be successful as a Jayhawk JumpStart student leader.

Review of applications begins on 3/14/2024 and continues as needed to collect a pool of qualified applicants. To ensure consideration, apply before the application review date.

Contact Information to Applicants

Elise Patrick
epatrick@ku.edu
785-864-2119

Advertised Salary Range

$11.00/hr

Work Schedule

40 hours max; summer schedule

Anticipated Start Date

Monday April 14, 2025

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Posting Information

  • Posting ID:  29895BR
  • Department:  Success Initiatives
  • Primary Campus:  University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
  • Reg/Temp:  Temporary
  • Employee Class:  S-Student

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