Staff from the Transfer Transition Program gather outside the Kohl Center for the Student Org Fair during Wisconsin Welcome.

Student Leadership

Why Join Our Team?

The Office of Student Transition and Family Engagement (OSTFE) supports new students and their families with programs and events like SOAR, Wisconsin Welcome, the Wisconsin Experience Seminar (CP125), Transfer Transition Program, and Family Weekend.

As an OSTFE student leader, you will…

  • Find community – Work alongside 100+ fellow students on a team that makes you feel supported, accepted, and celebrated.
  • Gain leadership experience –  Share your experience as a Badger to help new students and their families transition to UW–Madison.
  • Have fun! – Events at Camp Randall. Activities in the Sett. Making lasting connections to support fellow students. This work is worth celebrating!

Student Employment & Volunteer Opportunities

Badger Buddy – Wisconsin Welcome

From helping with move-in to supporting Wisconsin Welcome events (August-September), Badger Buddies volunteer to help new students and their families navigate their transition to campus. Gain leadership experience, help new students, and earn prizes!

Students wheel carts full of their belongings into their residence hall during move-in.

Family Weekend Volunteer – Parent and Family Program

UW–Madison students and staff can volunteer to support the thousands of Family Weekend (October) attendees at events on and off campus. Past events include Badger Family Fest on the Terrace, a picnic at Camp Randall, Bingo Night, and more.

A student and their family pose for a photo on Camp Randall field.

New Student Leader (NSL) – SOAR

NSLs ensure SOAR runs smoothly by exhibiting excellent customer service skills, acting as knowledgeable campus resources, facilitating student small groups, and sharing their passion for being a Badger with others!

A New Student Leader (NSL) directs a new student at SOAR.

Orientation Assistant (OA) – SOAR

When students and their supporters contact our office, OAs are the ones to answer any and all questions! They are also the friendly faces folks see during check-in, providing excellent customer service, critical thinking skills, and campus knowledge.

Two SOAR Orientation Assistants (OAs) stand at check-in for new students and their families/guests.

Transfer Student Coordinator – Transfer Transition Program

The Transfer Student Coordinator (TSC) position supports transfer student programming, builds relationships with transfer students, maintains operations within the Transfer Engagement Center (TEC).

Student and professional staff from the Transfer Transition Program gather for their "Back to School Broke Bingo" event.

Undergraduate Teaching Fellows – Wisconsin Experience Seminar (CP125)

Fellows work with professional instructors to teach The Wisconsin Experience Seminar (CP125). This one-credit course helps new students transition to college life while learning about campus services and resources in an active learning environment.

Two students study on the Terrace during a fall day.

What Our Students Have to Say

Photo of Student SOAR Orientation Assistant Liyana Taib

“Working at OSTFE has really given me exposure to the logistics and management required to organize multiple large-scale events such as SOAR, Wisconsin Welcome, and Family Weekend! As an International student, the working environment at OSTFE has also helped me boost my confidence in socializing and working in the USA.”

– Liyana Taib, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering

“I love working for OSTFE because of the positive environment in the office! No matter what I’m going through, I always feel welcome and accepted here.”

-Amelia Zanin, Class of 2024, Computer Science & Graphic Design

Student Amelia Zane poses on Camp Randall Field during Family Weekend.

Want to Learn More?

HIDDEN - More Student Leadership Opportunities

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Badger Buddies (Wisconsin Welcome)

Badger Buddies volunteer to help new students and their families navigate their transition during Wisconsin Welcome. From helping with move-in to supporting Wisconsin Welcome events, Badger Buddies schedule their own shifts within a two-week commitment. The more you participate, the greater your chances of winning Badger Buddy prizes like free dining swipes, Airpods, gift cards to some of your favorite Madison restaurants, and more! Gain leadership experience while volunteering with friends, helping new students, and making new connections.

Wisconsin Welcome events begin in August. Please email Brad Lanza, Coordinator of Welcome Programs, at brad.lanza@wisc.edu for more information.

Family Weekend Volunteers (Parent and Family Program)

Each year, Family Weekend invites the whole family to experience life as a Badger with a variety of on- and off-campus events. UW–Madison students and staff can volunteer to support the thousands of Family Weekend attendees at a number of weekend events. Past events include Badger Family Fest on the Wisconsin Union Terrace, a picnic and photos on Camp Randall Field, Bingo Night at Union South, LGBTQ+ Family Social, Wheelhouse Studio activities, and more!

Family Weekend is held every October. Please email parent@uwmad.wisc.edu for more information.

Undergraduate Teaching Fellows (Wisconsin Experience Seminar - CP125)

Undergraduate Teaching Fellows work alongside a professional instructor to teach Counseling Psychology 125: The Wisconsin Experience Seminar (CP125). This one-credit course helps new students transition to life at UW–Madison while learning about campus services and resources in an active, discussion-driven, and community-oriented learning environment. Students learn about a range of topics including academic/campus resources, University Libraries, stress management/wellbeing, strengths/values, the history of First Nations, identity, social justice, and more.

Transfer and freshmen sections are offered in the fall and spring each year. To learn more, please email Caitlin Schaer, Coordinator of Academic Engagement, at cschaer@wisc.edu.

Transfer Student Coordinators (Transfer Transition Program)

As part of the Transfer Transition Program (TTP), the Transfer Student Coordinator (TSC) position supports transfer student programming, builds relationships with transfer students, maintains operations within the Transfer Engagement Center (TEC), and creates communication and marketing content.

To learn more, please email Lily Someson, Transfer Transition Coordinator at lily.someson@wisc.edu.

SOAR New Student Leaders (NSLs)

New Student Leaders (NSLs) are members of the SOAR team that directly welcome the newest class of Badgers and their supporters to UW-Madison.

At summer SOAR, NSLs ensure the program runs smoothly by exhibiting excellent customer service skills, acting as knowledgeable campus resources, facilitating student small groups, and sharing their passion for being a Badger with others!

Come work in a lively team environment with us over the summer.

SOAR Orientation Assistants (OAs)

SOAR Orientation Assistants (OAs)

Orientation Assistants (OAs) are essential members of the SOAR team that ensure the program runs smoothly for our newest class of Badgers.

When students and their supporters contact our office, OAs are the ones to answer any and all questions! They are also the friendly faces folks see during check-in, providing excellent customer service, critical thinking skills, and campus knowledge.

Apply as an OA and join a close-knit and supportive team!

Apply Now