Skip to main content

Student Leader Opportunities

SUMMER PROGRAMS STUDENT LEADERS

Applications are OPEN for the 2026 Cohort through March 31, 2026

Student Leaders are the backbone of Summer Transition Programs like New Start and Destination Arizona. New Start Student Staff (NSSS) and Destination Arizona Leaders (DAZLs) are a group of enthusiastic current University of Arizona students who are committed to creating a welcoming environment for new Wildcats and their supporters. NSSS and DAZLs support Student Transitions & Summer Programs in various ways from sharing their own Wildcat experiences, to mentorship opportunities, event set-up and more! As a Summer Programs Student Leader you will make an impact on a new student’s transition that sets the tone for the rest of a student’s journey at the U of A.

The Summer Transition Programs positions offer students the opportunity to: 

  • Develop Career Readiness competencies of Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork & Technology.
  • Positively impact new students and families.
  • Coordinate exciting programs for Summer Transition Programs.
  • Form close relationships with professionals across campus.
  • Create lifelong friendships.

You might be a good fit for a Summer Transition Programs position if: 

  • You want to create a positive and welcoming environment at The University of Arizona.
  • You enjoy helping other people.
  • You want to gain or strengthen your Career Readiness.
  • You are a motivated individual who can take initiative, be flexible and punctual.
  • You can work in a team environment where differences are valued, encouraged, and supported.

New Start is a summer bridge program designed to facilitate a smooth transition from high school to college. Through coursework, mentorship, dorm life, and programming, New Start prepares students to succeed at the University of Arizona. Student staff support the program in various roles:

  • Resident Assistants – Live-in position that supports students in the dorm and facilitates community-building experiences
  • Peer Mentors – Maintain a caseload of ~20 students each, meeting them up to 3 times individually for 1:1 mentoring and facilitating daily transition/success workshops

All-staff needs and general support:

  • Service on either the Monte Carlo (Casino Night), BLAST (talent show), or New Start News (social media) committees
  • Checking students in for events to track attendance and participation
  • Occasional support with directions to various locations and campus resources

New Start Student Staff need to be available for the following time commitments:

  • Mandatory all-staff training: Monday, June 29-Thursday, July 9 (excludes July 3-5 long weekend)
  • Move-In and Welcome Weekend: Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12
  • Full program dates: Saturday, July 11-Friday, August 7
    • Peer Mentors can expect to work 30 hrs/week with the bulk of their work happening between 8am-4pm M-F, with rare exceptions for Monte Carlo and B.L.A.S.T.
    • Resident Assistants can expect to work 30 hrs/week with the bulk of their work happening in the evenings, facilitating programs and serving on an on-call rotation for student support during evenings/weekends

Destination Arizona is hosted the weekend before classes begin to help transition all incoming students – first-year and transfer – to campus by introducing them to academic and campus resources, and Wildcat spirit! Destination Arizona leaders will support the program in the following ways: 

  • Support Destination Arizona staff and campus partners in the set-up, logistics, facilitation, and take-down of events.
  • Actively participate in all mandatory trainings (in-person & virtual), programs, and events.
  • Help students navigate campus by answering questions, giving directions, suggesting resources and events, and providing a warm welcome to the Wildcat community.
  • Draw from personal experiences to answer questions with a positive attitude and demeanor.
  • Work early mornings and late evenings during program days.
  • Lift, carry, and sort materials.

Destination Arizona Leaders need to be available for all the listed dates below. Few exceptions will be made for absences during July - August given the importance of this role to the Wildcat community.

  • May 2026
    • Thursday, May 7: Destination Arizona Leader Social + Mentor Reveal
    • Tuesday, May 26: Begin Position Onboarding
  • June 2026
    • Monday, June 1: Begin Virtual Trainings
    • Tuesday, June 30: Virtual Trainings Due
  • July 2026
    • Monday, July 27 - Friday, July 31: Destination Arizona Leader Training
  • August 2026
    • Monday, August 17: Destination Arizona Program Run-Through & Set-Up
    • Tuesday, August 18 - Wednesday, August 19: Destination Arizona: Family Quest Support
    • Thursday, August 20 - Saturday, August 22: Destination Arizona! 

All trainings and dates listed above with the exception of Destination Arizona Week will happen between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. You will be expected to work outside of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours during the Destination Arizona program. Additional hours to assist with program preparation and set-up will be available for students from May - August, however not mandatory.

  • You are a degree-seeking undergraduate student.
  • You maintain good academic and conduct standing.
  • Students must demonstrate an interest in working with new students from a variety of backgrounds and total commitment to creating a positive new student transition.
  • Selected on the basis of previous work experiences, knowledge of The University of Arizona, leadership, scholarship, enthusiasm, and creativity.
  • Should possess a warm and friendly manner, sincerity, patience, flexibility, maturity of judgment, punctuality, and a willingness to follow a prescribed standard of excellence.
     

Selection will be based on two rounds of interviews. The first round will consist of a group interview. Candidates who advance from round one will then be invited to participate in an individual interview.

  • $15.15 / Hour
  • Uniforms will be provided.
  • Snacks provided during trainings and programs. 

The Summer Transitions Programs application contains three short answer questions that should be answered in 3 - 5 complete sentences. This is your opportunity to show your passion and personality! 

  1. Why do you want to become a student leader?
  2. What skills do you hope to develop from this position?
  3. What is an experience you have had on campus that has made you proud to be a Wildcat? 

Interested applicants can apply to the New Start Student Staff position, Destination Arizona Leader position, or both! 

If you have questions regarding Summer Transition Programs positions, please contact: 

APPLY HERE