CLA Student Services Peer Adviser/Office Assistant

CLA Student Services Peer Advisor/Office Assistant 

College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Student Services Peer Advisors are an integral part of the CLA Student Services team!  The Student Services office provides direct service to students as a key information, intake, peer advising, and referral office for all CLA undergraduate students. In this role, the CLA Student Services office located in 16 Johnston Hall, serves as a pivotal outreach and communication arm of CLA Student Services (CLASS) for students, faculty, staff, the university community, and the general public. Functionally, the CLASS team operates as the "front door" of the College for the majority of our incoming first-year and transfer students. Our team also supports CLA advising by assisting students with basic advising decisions and referrals to professional advising staff.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 50% - Student intake (incoming traffic, answering main CLA phone line, Zoom Drop In advising Room, peer advising), manage service requests, refer students properly, troubleshoot answers to student questions, assist students with transactions (processing forms), assist students with basic advising decisions, understanding requirements, understanding college and university procedures, and acting as a resource for students regarding university programs and services. Assist in the implementation of student orientation and registration activities. Assist students with preparation of semester academic plans.
• 20% - Document imaging – scanning documents to student records.
• 15% - Answering emails for various email accounts for CLA Student Services
• 10% - Entering accurate records of student contacts, orientation prep (preparing packets, outbound calling projects, conferring with students, identifying issues, problem-solving, etc.), and miscellaneous office support.
• 5% - Other duties as assigned (file and shred documents, write work instructions, assist full-time staff as needed).

Work Hours/Availability 

Varied between 8:45am.and 4pm Monday through Friday. 

• Spring/fall semester (12-20 hours/week)
• Must be available to work winter orientation in January on campus
• Must be available to work 20-35 hours for Summer (June, July, August)

Opportunities for Skill Development on the Job

Students participate in experiences outside the classroom which allow them to develop and demonstrate life skills. These skills and characteristics for success and citizenship are learned and refined during their college years and beyond. The Office for Student Affairs has developed seven Student Development Outcomes that CLA Students Services have incorporated into the student employment system. Here is a listing of the Student Development Outcomes with some examples of how you can learn or further develop your own skills set.

Responsibility/Accountability

• Knowledgeable of office, office equipment and supplies
• Presents oneself in a welcoming and professional manner
• Takes ownership of work duties and responsibilities, and ensures they are completed accurately and on time

Independence/Interdependence

• Seeks instruction from supervisor and asks when unclear of tasks, procedures or how to correct errors
• Demonstrates clear and effective communication with supervisors and team members
• Able to answer customers’ questions or refer them to supervisor when unsure of answer

Goal Orientation

• Manages time in order to complete all required and/or assigned duties
• Responds well to goals and training set by supervisor as needed
• Seeks to improve oneself at work as well as their working environment

Self-Awareness

• Displays cordial and helpful attitude with customers and peers
• Can separate the demands of the job and customers from personal concerns and ego
• Serves as a resource person for customers and clients

Resilience

• Able to work through difficulties when they arise
• Accepts direction and constructive criticism from supervisor
• Takes responsibility for, and learns from, errors

Appreciation of Differences

• Understands and respects the values and beliefs of others
• Treats all customers, peers, and supervisor respectfully
• Appreciates the uniqueness in each customer, co-worker, supervisor

Tolerance of Ambiguity

• Maintains composure and professionalism when faced with difficult or new situations
• Employs basic problem-solving skills and looks to supervisor for guidance as needed
• Develop knowledge of primary areas of responsibility

*The employer reserves the right to change or add duties to this position as long as the changes and/or additions are consistent with the job classification.
 

Students participate in experiences outside the classroom which allow them to develop and demonstrate life skills. These skills and characteristics for success and citizenship are learned and refined during their college years and beyond. The Office for Student Affairs has developed seven Student Development Outcomes that CLA Students Services have incorporated into the student employment system. Here is a listing of the Student Development Outcomes with some examples of how you can learn or further develop your own skills set.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota.
• 3-6 months of previous office experience. 
• Excellent customer service skills and interest in working with students are essential. 
• Available to work full-time during semester breaks and during summer orientation/registration. 
  • Must be available to work winter orientation in January on campus
  • Must be available to work 20-35 hours/week for Summer (June, July, August) on campus
• Proficient computer skills, familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite. 
• Ability to learn computer applications quickly. 
• Ability to explain complex processes clearly. 
• Must be accurate and have excellent attention to detail. 
• Organized, flexible, able to participate as a team member and work independently, positive attitude, and effective and polite communication are pluses. 
• Ability to troubleshoot answers. 
• Maintain good academic standing each semester while employed. 
• Participate in initial and ongoing training programs and staff meetings as requested. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and handle multiple tasks with frequent interruptions
• Adhere to a predetermined work schedule no less than 12 hours per week and not to exceed 20 hours per week.
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• University Work Study eligible 
• Current College of Liberal Arts or CLA Honors student.
• Sophomore or higher standing and have completed one or more semesters at the University of Minnesota.
• Experience with document imaging and/or data entry.
• Familiarity with College of Liberal Arts Student Services.
• Good academic standing.
• No campus disciplinary record.
• Currently enrolled in a baccalaureate program for the current term.

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Student Services office provides direct service to students as a key information, intake, peer advising, and referral office for all CLA undergraduate students. In this role, the CLA Student Services office located in Johnston Hall (or remote), serves as a pivotal outreach and communication arm of CLA Student Services (CLASS) for students, faculty, staff, the university community, and the general public. Functionally, the CLASS team operates as the "front door" of the College for the majority of our incoming first-year and transfer students. Our team also supports CLA advising by assisting students with basic advising decisions and referrals to professional advising staff. The CLASS office staff coordinate registration and orientation operations for the college, maintain student records, and provide mail and equipment services to CLASS. The CLASS office staff provide critical central support and communications for advising functions throughout CLASS, including the student advising communities, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Program, Individualized Degree Programs and the First and Second Year Experience program. Students served are continuing CLA students with special emphasis on newly admitted students. 

Pay Range: $15.25/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
 

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.