WashU Student Associates — WUSAs (pronounced “WOO-sah”) — are student leaders who welcome new first-year and transfer students to WashU and support them through their first year on campus. It’s a paid, year-long leadership role, and one of the most direct ways to shape another student’s experience at WashU.

At a glance…

  • Pay: $15.00/hour (work-study eligible)
  • Time commitment: ~150 hours
  • Length: April 2027-March 2028
  • Who can apply: Undergraduates in the Classes of 2028, 2029, and 2030

What WUSAs do

  • Serve as a go-to resource for new first-year and transfer students and their families.
  • Help WashU staff plan and run Orientation.
  • Help WashU staff plan and run fall and spring events for new students.

WUSAs play a crucial role in making the new student experience rewarding, fun, and successful. Full expectations and responsibilities are included in the position descriptions below.

Is the WUSA role right for you?

Here are a few ways to think it through before you apply:

Review the position descriptions and essential dates.

We publish these in advance so you can fully plan for the time commitment before you apply — see the position descriptions above and the full list of dates and commitments.

Talk it through with your support systems.

There’s a lot that goes into a decision like this — we encourage you to talk with family, friends, or your current WUSA. Send any questions you have about the role to Student Transitions & Engagement.

Ask us anything!

Student Transitions & Engagement hosts information sessions covering the role, the application process, and Q&A with staff.

Who can apply?

Eligibility

  • First-Year (FY) WUSA: Open to all WashU undergraduates in the Classes of 2028, 2029 and 2030.
  • Transfer (TR) WUSA: Open to WashU undergraduates in the Classes of 2028, 2029 and 2030 with extensive international experience or experience transferring to WashU from another institution.
  • GPA: Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher by the end of fall 2026 and spring 2027, and throughout all semesters served as a WUSA.

What we look for

Our ideal candidate:

  • Is approachable, dependable, dedicated, knowledgeable, respectful, empathetic and an adept communicator.
  • Resolves conflict constructively and models positive behavior.
  • Shows leadership potential and takes initiative.
  • Is committed to the University, the WUSA program, and STAE’s values.
  • Is in good academic and conduct standing.Is willing to learn WashU’s academic policies, procedures, deadlines, and advising systems.
  • Has strong interpersonal and group presentation skills.
  • Has a genuine concern for others, an open mind and a positive attitude.
  • Can work well with a diverse range of students, faculty, staff, parents and families.

Academic & conduct standing

Because WUSAs represent WashU to new students and families, we hold the role to a high standard:

  • STAE checks both semester and cumulative GPA. Applicants must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75+ and a semester GPA of 2.75+ during every semester employed. This review includes institutional data, unofficial transcripts, and grades, and we may contact your four-year advisor regarding your standing.
  • STAE coordinates with Student Conduct and Community Standards and Residential Life regarding student conduct standing.
  • Because WUSAs are mandatory reporters, STAE also coordinates with the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office for anyone who may not be able to serve in that capacity.

Apply

Review details about the WUSA application and interview process.

Submit your application