Employment and Volunteer Opportunities

The Office of Pre-College Programs offers programs, events, and competitions designed to challenge talented K-12 students to explore educational pathways and experience personal growth.
Professional educators as well as undergraduate and graduate students serve a critical role in carrying out our mission.
Students and professionals hired to work for the Office of Pre-College Programs are part of an elite group of highly motivated individuals, determined to be great ambassadors for the University of Mississippi. They act as role models committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of young people visiting our campus. Pre-College employees leave a positive impact on every student that participates in our programs.
Every position in our office provides training and skill development that will apply across a number of professions, setting our team members up for success in future career endeavors.
Employment Opportunities
University of Mississippi Online High School
The Office of Pre-College Programs houses an online high school which provides year-round asynchronous instruction.
Certified educators wishing to work part-time with the Office of Pre-College Programs may inquire about open positions by contacting us at precollege@olemiss.edu.
Competitions and Conferences
Job Description: This position intended for a graduate assistant coordinates and leads the Competition Corps volunteer team and assists the Competition and Conferences Coordinator with duties and responsibilities related to the planning and execution of various K-12 academic competitions, conferences, and events. This position is expected to work in the Office of Pre-College Programs and assist with daily administrative tasks (answering emails and phones, running errands, etc.).
Eligibility:
- Be a graduate student in the Graduate School or other post-graduate professional school at the University of Mississippi
- Be in good academic standing
- Preference given to candidates in 2+ year graduate programs
Desirable skill set: An ideal candidate would possess high-level leadership, communication (written and verbal), and organization skills. A top candidate should be detail-oriented, have experience managing a team, and be a strong problem-solver.
Employment dates: Fall, Winter, and Spring semesters.
Skills acquired in this position: The candidate should expect to build upon the desired skills listed above plus learn and gain professional knowledge and skills in office and event settings. Employees are given opportunities for professional development in building administrative and technical skill sets.
Compensation: The selected student will receive a tuition waiver for each semester worked as well as a stipend. Hourly wages will also be paid for work done in addition to the required 20 hours per week each semester.
Job Description: Assist in the preparation, setup, takedown, and event logistics of competitions and conferences hosted by the Office of Pre-College Programs throughout the academic year. Students are required to assist in a minimum of ten (10) events per academic year. Time requirements will vary by event and will include some weekend and evening requests. Duties may include pre-event and post-event preparation as well as training.
Eligibility:
- Be a University of Mississippi student in good standing
Desirable skill set:
- Friendly, customer-oriented demeanor
- Consistent situational awareness
- Punctuality and professional self-presentation
- Experience as a participant or volunteer with competitions
Compensation:
- 3-credit-hour tuition scholarship. Redeemable during the academic year of service and applied toward one of the following sessions: Winter Intersession, Spring Semester, May Intersession, First Summer, Second Summer, or August Intersession. Must be redeemed within the academic year of service.
- Promotional items and meals provided during assigned events.
How to Apply:
- Download the Competition Corps application form.
- Submit application form and additional documentation to precollege@olemiss.edu no later than August 1.
- Sign up for an interview (link will be provided after application deadline).
Summer Programs
The Office of Pre-College Programs offers an array of academic enrichment programs emphasizing informal, student-centered learning environments. A number of professional and student positions support this effort.
All graduate and undergraduate summer positions have these minimum requirements for eligibility:
- Be a University of Mississippi student in good standing
- Have a clear background check
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Some graduate and undergraduate positions have additional requirements as outlined below.
Training will occur during spring semester and include an intensive session in May prior to the start of summer session.
Spring semester training sessions will be announced after positions have been filled. Intensive training in 2023 is scheduled for Monday, May 22, through Friday, May 26.
All training sessions are mandatory in order to maintain your position.
ELEMENTARY
Job Description: Plan and implement lessons based on weekly themes and then lead a group of students during the day in engaging learning experiences. Rebel Quest is an educational camp which means students learn new things, reinforce and deepen existing skills, and enjoy periods of both structured and unstructured activities each day.
Eligibility:
- Certified educator with Elementary Ed or Special Ed endorsement(s).
- A minimum of 2 years of experience in front of a class
Skill set desirable: Excellent classroom management skills, willingness to be creative in designing learning experiences, and a strong commitment to responsibly monitoring students in open, public campus environments.
Employment dates: May 30 to June 23 and July 10 to July 28. Training will be required on a Saturday in May prior to the start of summer programming.
How to Apply: Certified educators wishing to work part-time with the Office of Pre-College Programs may inquire about open positions by contacting us at precollege@olemiss.edu.
Job Description: Function as a teacher assistant for K-6 programs offered by the Office of Pre-College Programs. Supervise students inside and outside the classroom. Support logistical plans and transport students. Help in classroom set-up and cleanup. Students are required to work a daily, 5-hour work shift (morning or afternoon) from Monday through Friday during the weeks the programs are offered. Summer programs typically run for 7 weeks beginning in May and ending in August.
Note: Ecology Day Camp is located off campus at the UM Field Station in Abbeville, MS. Students who serve as counselors for this program must provide their own transportation.
Eligibility:
- Be of full-time status at the University of Mississippi
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Have a proven record of good stewardship, personal initiative, dependability, and positive attitude as demonstrated in resume, application, and references
- Have the respect of peers, teachers/faculty, and employers as demonstrated by references
Desirable skill set:
- Enjoys working with children
- Enjoys being outside in summer
- Situational awareness
- Strong work ethic
Compensation: Students will receive a stipend plus a scholarship that covers three (3) hours of credit during both the June and July sessions worked, for a total of 6 credit hours in scholarships.
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL
Job Description: This position will lead and support Student Life Coordinators, Student Community Leaders, and program participants, including assisting in the design and delivery of some training sessions for summer staff. They will schedule summer staff, monitor job performance, and assist instructors and staff as needed. They will also provide supervision and address disciplinary issues with summer staff and participants when necessary. Other additional duties may also be assigned as needed.
Team Managers must live on campus and sleep in the residence hall when on duty. Summer programs typically run for 9 weeks beginning in May and ending July.
Eligibility:
- Be a graduate student in the Graduate School or other post-graduate professional program at the University of Mississippi
- Be in good academic standing
- Clear a background check
Desirable skill set:
- Strong organizational skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Experience leading a team, motivating others, and resolving conflicts
- Strong ethical principles and a commitment to compliance with institutional policy
Employment dates:
- Some days of training in the spring semester, arranged in advance with Pre-College Programs staff
- May 22, 2023, to July 28, 2023
Compensation:
- A scholarship that covers three (3) hours of credit during both the June and July sessions worked, for a total of 6 credit hours of scholarships.
- Stipend
- Housing in on-campus residences, shared with program participants
- Campus meal plan
Job Description: This position will help design, plan, and implement academic, social, and cultural events in collaboration with Pre-College Programs staff and other departments on campus. They will also coordinate with Community Leaders to execute summer events for program participants and Office Logistics Support staff regarding program needs. This position will require making purchases with university purchasing cards and driving institutional vehicles, both 12-passenger vans and golf carts.
Student Life Coordinators must live on campus and sleep in the residence hall when on duty. Summer programs typically run for 9 weeks beginning in May and ending July.
Eligibility:
- Have a valid drivers’ license
Desirable skill set:
- Experience in event planning
- Some experience in managing a budget
- Highly reliable
- Strong people skills
- Self-awareness and emotional savvy
Employment dates:
- 2-hour training sessions on designated dates during the spring semester
- May 22, 2023, to July 28, 2023
Compensation
- A scholarship that covers three (3) hours of credit during both the June and July sessions worked, for a total of 6 credit hours of scholarships
- Stipend
- Housing in on-campus residences, shared with program participants (for residential programs only)
- Campus meal plan
Job Description: This position supports weekly and monthly programs’ pre-arrival, check-in, check-out, and post-departure logistics. Community Leaders will supervise high school students’ well-being while living in on-campus residences during the day and overnight. They will also serve as mentors and academic coaches for program participants and occasionally transport students to off-campus activities when necessary. Community Leaders work closely with Student Life Coordinators to plan and implement week and weekend recreational, cultural, academic, and sports activities and enforce program rules and regulations. All student employees serve as ambassadors for the University of Mississippi. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.
Community Leaders must live on campus and sleep in the residence hall when on duty. Summer programs typically run for 9 weeks beginning in May and ending July.
Eligibility:
- No prior employment with UM is required, but our office will check for any prior employment history with the university. Supervisors from all previous employment will be contacted for references before interviews.
Desirable skill set:
- Some mentoring, housing, or other leadership experience
- Great communication skills
- Strong people skills
- Self-awareness and emotional savvy
Employment dates:
- 2-hour training sessions on designated dates during the spring semester
- May 22, 2023, to July 28, 2023
Compensation:
- A scholarship that covers three (3) hours of credit during both the June and July sessions worked, for a total of 6 credit hours of scholarships
- Stipend
- Housing in on-campus residences, shared with program participants (for residential programs only)
- Campus meal plan
Incoming Freshman Programs
Job Description: Plan weekly academic and social activities for recently admitted undergraduate students. Serve as support and guidance for incoming freshmen. Provide support to weekend activities and some planned and/or special events for other high school programs. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.
Eligibility:
- Be a graduate student in the Graduate School or other postgraduate professional program at the University of Mississippi
- Be in good academic standing
- Clear a background check
Desirable skill set:
- Some mentoring, housing, or other leadership experience
- Great communication skills
- Strong people skills
- Commitment to creating inclusive social spaces for entering freshmen
Employment dates:
- 2-hour training sessions on designated dates during the spring semester
- May 22, 2023, to July 28, 2023
Compensation:
- A scholarship that covers three (3) hours of credit during both the June and July sessions worked, for a total of 6 credit hours of scholarships.
- Stipend
- Campus meal plan
Job Description: Some JumpStart Peer Leaders live with high school students participating in our K-12 programs, providing evening and weekend supervision for that program. Other Peer Leaders will focus exclusively on JumpStart activities and students. Please review both options below.
Residential JumpStart Peer Leaders: This position supports JumpStart incoming freshmen through attendance at group workshops, facilitating of group discussions, planning social events, and conducting individual check-in meetings with their assigned students. This position also supports weekly and monthly high school programs’ pre-arrival, check-in, check-out, and post-departure logistics; supervises high school students’ well-being while living in on-campus residences overnight and on weekends. These leaders occasionally transport students to off-campus activities when necessary and enforce program rules and regulations. All student employees serve as ambassadors for the University of Mississippi. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.
Peer Leaders must live on campus and sleep in the residence hall when on duty. Summer programs typically run for 9 weeks beginning in May and ending in July.
Compensation:
- A scholarship that covers three (3) hours of credit during both the June and July sessions worked, for a total of 6 credit hours of scholarships
- Stipend
- Housing in on-campus residences shared with program participants (for residential programs only)
- Campus meal plan
Non-Residential Peer Leader: This position supports JumpStart incoming freshmen through attendance at group workshops, facilitating of group discussions, planning social events, and conducting individual check-in meetings with their assigned students. This position typically works about 10 hours/week, compared to the residential position which is 25 hours/week.
Eligibility
- No prior employment with UM is required, but our office will check for any prior employment history with the university. Supervisors from all previous employment will be contacted for references before interviews.
Desirable skill set:
- Great communication skills
- Strong people skills
- Commitment to creating inclusive social spaces for entering freshmen
Compensation:
- A scholarship that covers three (3) hours of credit during both the June and July sessions worked, for a total of 6 credit hours of scholarships
- Hourly wage
Employment dates:
- 2-hour training sessions on designated dates during the spring semester
- May 22, 2023, to July 28, 2023
Office Logistical Support
Job Description: Assists with and supports the logistics of all summer programs. Coordinates with the lead teacher (elementary), student life coordinators (middle/high school), and Pre-College Programs staff to ensure program needs are met. Example of duties may include driving 12-passenger university vans for field trips, purchasing supplies from local vendors, setting up catering and/or equipment for special events, maintaining inventory of equipment and supplies, etc. Position also requires occasional supervision of minors to substitute for other summer part-time staff in case of an emergency.
Eligibility:
- Have a valid US driver’s license
- Be willing to drive university vehicles (from golf carts to 12-passenger vans)
Desirable skill set:
- Organizational and communication skills
- Detail-oriented
- Ability to problem-solve
- Team player
Employment dates:
- May Intersession to August Intersession
- 2-hour training sessions on designated dates during the spring semester
- May 22, 2023, to July 28, 2023
Compensation:
- Hourly wage, up to 25 hours per week (20 hours for international students)
- Scholarships for up to 6 credit hours of summer tuition (including non-resident fees)
How to Apply (for UM Students Only)
- Complete our online application.
- The application will require the following documents, so we recommend you have them ready when you start your application :
- Resume
- Unofficial transcript
- Letter of intent
- Reference form
- Sign up for an interview (link will be provided after application deadline).