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iPOL (International Peer Orientation Leader) Program

Application Deadline: Friday, March 2 at 5pm

Application Materials: Click here to fill out the online iPOL Application -- Reference form

Position Description:

International Peer Orientation Leaders (iPols) are undergraduate or graduate students who assist the Office of International Education (OIE) in welcoming new international students to Miami University. iPols play an integral role in shaping a positive orientation experience and preparing new international students to achieve a successful beginning to their Miami University career.

Responsibilities:

• Attend and participate in all required iPol training (dates to be announced)
• Assist with Airport pick-up transportation and with moving students (and luggage) into residence halls.
• Assist with scanning and document check and orientation sessions
• Participate as a panelist during cultural adjustment segment of orientation session.
• Serve as a resource in answering questions about Miami University, the Oxford community, and life in the U.S.
• Introduce and connect new international students to university resources and policies
• Plan and facilitate orientation activities (cultural and/or recreational)
• Actively participate in orientation field trips with new international students (e.g., Jungle Jim’s, bowling, etc.) 
• Stay in temporary residence hall with new students and monitor activity
• Respond promptly to emails regarding your schedule and work responsibilities

Required Qualifications:

• Full-time enrolled Miami University undergraduate or graduate student
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 at time of application
• Have no other obligations during your employment as a Peer Orientation Leader
• Effective cross-cultural communication skills and to demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity in working with students from diverse backgrounds
• Familiarity with Miami University campus and building locations as well as university resources, policies and services
• Ability to direct students to appropriate campus units or resources, and answer questions from new international students
• Punctual and reliable
• Ability to proactively solve problems and take initiative to assist OIE staff to improve quality of orientation
• Flexible and enthusiastic
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member
• Excellent leadership, communication, and listening skills
• Ability to plan and lead recreational activities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Have completed at least one semester at Miami University at time of application

Compensation:

• Paid an hourly rate of $7.70  
• Free iPOL t-shirt!

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: Friday, March 2 at 5pm
• Interview Dates: Wednesday, March 21 (5pm-6:30pm )and Thursday, March 22 (5pm -6:30pm)
• Mandatory iPol Orientation: April, TBD
• International Student Orientation: July 28 through August 18
• Two Start Dates Available:
•  July 27th-August 17th (iPol Group 1)
• August 3rd – August 17th (iPol Group 2)
• Mandatory iPol Training: for Groups 1 and 2
• Group 1: July 27 (1-5pm)
• Groups 1 and 2: August 3 (1-5pm)

To Apply:

• Submit complete application by Friday, March 2 at 5pm
• Obtain a reference from an individual who can comment about your performance in a professional capacity, such as an advisor, hall director, supervisor, faculty member, etc.  It cannot be a family member or a member of the OIE staff.
• Reference form must be submitted by the individual providing the reference (not applicant) by Friday, March 2 at 5pm
• Reference forms should be emailed as attachments to wardjd4@muohio.edu, or brought in-person to:
  JENNIFER WARD
  Office of International Education
  216 MacMillan Hall
  531 E. Spring Street
  Oxford, OH 45056
  513.529.5628 (phone)
  513.529.7383 (fax)
  wardjd4@muohio.edu

Application Materials

• Online Application
• Reference form