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 Jump Start.

Jump Start is a first-year transition program that provides activities, workshops, and networking to help students adjust to college and prepare for their first day  is available to incoming first-time first-year students who are First-Generation or Pell-eligible, preferably both.

Student leaders are expected to attend virtual training workshops during the Summer 2026 semester, in‑person training August 13‑14, and the full week of events during Jayhawk Jump Start, August 16‑20, 2026. Student leaders will be provided with meals during Jump Start 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 2026‑2027 school year.

90% - Leadership of Students at Jayhawk Jump Start – The Jayhawk Jump Start student leaders will 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.

10% - Training on KU Resources and Student Support – Jayhawk Jump Start student leaders will attend required training with Hawk Link staff before Jayhawk Jump Start, including:

• FERPA training for new staff.
• Navigating difficult conversations.
• KU resources.
• Best practices for supporting First‑Generation college students.

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 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).

(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.

(2) 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.

To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a resume and cover letter in addition to the online application. To ensure consideration, apply before the application review date.

In your cover letter of 1 page or less:
Tell us about a way that you have used campus resources to overcome a challenge  addition, share any work or volunteer experience you have that speaks to your ability to be successful as a Jayhawk Jump Start student leader.

Applicants must have hiring paperwork completed and submitted to KU HR before attending virtual training workshops anticipated to begin in May 2026.

Alex Jordan
Alex Jordan

Advertised Salary Range $11.00 per hour

Anticipated Start Date Monday May 18, 2026

Apply to Job