Thank you for your interest in the WUSA position. Applications will close on Friday, February 20 at Noon CT.

The WashU Student Associate (WUSA, pronounced “WOO-sah”) position is a year-long
student leader role that welcomes and supports first-year students with their academic, social, and personal transition to WashU. WUSAs:

  • Serve as resources for new first-year and transfer students and their family members.
  • Assist WashU staff with orienting new students during Fall Welcome.
  • Assist WashU staff with planning and implementing fall and spring events for new
    students.

WUSAs play a crucial role in making the new student experience rewarding, fun, and
successful. Please view the position descriptions below for more details.

Submit your WUSA application

Considering the WUSA role?

Review the position descriptions and important dates.

We provide the position description and important dates ahead of time so you can fully plan and envision the scope and commitment required for the WUSA position.

Talk to support systems about the time requirements and experience.

We encourage you to talk to support systems or family members regarding your decision to apply. We know that there are many factors that go into applying to a position and encourage you to make the decision with your campus or personal support systems. If you have any questions about the role, please reach out to Student Transitions & Engagement or your current WUSA.

Ask us questions regarding the WUSA position.

Student Transitions & Engagement hosts information sessions to introduce the WUSA role, explain the application and interview process, and answer questions from potential applicants. We invite you to attend one of our 2026 information sessions:

The ideal applicant

All WashU undergraduate students in the Classes of 2027, 2028, and 2029 are eligible to apply to the First-Year (FY) WUSA position. WashU undergraduate students in the Classes of 2027, 2028, and 2029 with either extensive international experience or experience transferring to WashU from another institution are eligible to apply for the Transfer (TR) WUSA position. 

Our ideal candidate:

  • Has a cumulative GPA of 2.75 by the end of the fall 2025, spring 2026, and all semesters as a WUSA.
  • Is approachable, dependable, dedicated, knowledgeable, respectful, empathetic, a conflict-resolver, an adept communicator, and a positive role model.
  • Exhibits leadership potential and takes initiative.
  • Displays a strong commitment to the University, the WUSA program, and STAE’s values.
  • Is in good conduct and academic standing at the University.
  • Is committed to becoming informed and knowledgeable about the University’s academic policies, procedures, deadlines, and various advising systems.
  • Exhibits strong interpersonal and group presentation skills.
  • Possesses a genuine concern for others.
  • Has an open mind and a positive attitude.
  • Demonstrates the ability to work with a diverse group of people, including students, parents, faculty, and staff.

Academic & conduct standing

STAE will conduct academic standing checks which includes reviewing both semester and cumulative GPA. Applicants must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and semester GPA of 2.75 or higher during semesters employed. We may additionally call four-year advisors regarding status. This includes reviewing educational records including institutional data, demographic information, courses, unofficial transcripts, and grades, and GPA. 

Additionally, Student Transitions & Engagement collaborates with Student Conduct and Community Standards and Residential Life regarding student conduct standing. 

Lastly, due to WUSAs serving as mandatory reporters through the role, Student Transitions & Engagement coordinates with the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office for instances of individuals who may not be able to serve as mandatory reporters.

Hiring notification for WUSA position

Applicants will be notified via email no later than 5:00 PM on Thursday, March 5, 2026 if they have been selected as a WUSA, a WUSA alternate, or not selected.

All applicants will be notified. Please check spam or junk mail if you have not received a notification by the date and time above, or email transitions@wustl.edu.

Individuals who are not selected to be a WUSA or are selected to serve as an alternate may consider emailing transitions@wustl.edu to schedule a feedback session.