Are you ready to become a TXSM?

Becoming a TXSM is a big responsibility! Please review this page to understand the commitments of being a TXSM, and what to expect in this role.

We recommend you speak to your support systems and consider other responsibilities prior to accepting this position. Please let us know if we can provide you with any additional information to assist in your decision-making process.

Please review this page and make a decision by March 22, 2023 at Noon CST.

We look forward to working with you!

View 2023 Position Description

Why TXSM?

Become a University Representative

TXSMs wear the name of WashU as well as Student Transitions & Family Programs. Additionally, TXSMs often hold the responsibility of being students’ and families’ first impression of the University as a whole. TXSMs are held to high expectations and must remain in good academic and conduct standing.

Engage with Students, Families & Colleagues

TXSMs will have the opportunity to connect and form relationships with exchange and transfer students, TXSM team members, WUSAs, faculty associates, RAs, and more.

Communication with others is an important aspect of the TXSM role and maintaining these connections will allow TXSMs to be more successful and have support systems they can go to when they have questions or need help.

Personal Growth/Mentorship Opportunities/Skill Building
  • Networking opportunities with other TXSMs, WUSAs, campus partners, STFP staff
  • Have a greater understanding of WashU’s processes and systems
  • Undertake professional development and enhance your skills (e.g., communication, liaison, team-building)
  • Act as a support system for others
  • Act as a conduit between students and WashU staff
  • Relay key messages from WashU administration to transfer and exchange students
  • Suggest, develop, and implement solutions related to creating a great transition for transfer and exchange students
  • Collaborate with students to coordinate events to enhance the student campus experience
  • Engage students in community building

Important Dates & Event Descriptions

Spring Training

Prepares you to fulfill your role as a WUSA. Includes role responsibilities, facilitation, cultural competency, new student transition trends, helping skills, and logistics.

  • TXSM Training 1: April 3, 2023, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 
  • TXSM 1:1s and On-Your-Own Training: April 10-14, 2023
  • TXSM Training 3: April 17, 2023, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 
  • TXSM Training 4: April 24, 2023, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (May be rescheduled)

Includes Canvas modules (online) and in-person meetings.

Camp WUSA

Meet your TXSM team and the WUSA League, prepare for Bear Beginnings, and engage with STFP staff and campus partners. Training and other activities will continue this week.

  • Please confirm that your summer schedule allows for early arrival (return to campus by August 16, 2023).
  • August 16 – August 23, 2023. Hours may start as early as 9:00 AM and run as late as 8:00 PM. Breaks and mealtimes will be included in the shift. In total, expect to work 40-45 hours this week.

All shifts are in-person.

Bear Beginnings

Lead your cohorts of transfer or exchange students, as well as assist with other events and activities. These may include panels for different schools, tabling for item pick-up, events for parents and families, and other miscellaneous tasks. You will engage with many transfer and exchange students during this time!

  • August 23 – 27, 2023 (Times vary: Shifts may begin as early as 7:00 AM and end as late as 11:59 PM)

All shifts are in-person.

Parent & Family Weekend

Families of students across all undergraduate classes attend the weekend and partake in activities and events around campus and St. Louis.

  • October 27 – October 29, 2023 (Shift times and shift duties vary. Shifts may be prior to the weekend, during, or after the event. In total, expect to work one 2-3 hour shift.)

All shifts are in-person.

TXSM Phone Calls

Engage with incoming transfer or exchange students prior to the start of the fall semester.

  • Time commitment: Varies based on availability. All calls should be completed on a designated week in the summer.
Optional Summer Engagement

TXSMs living in the MO and IL area will have the option to do additional work with STFP during the summer.

Duties may include:

  • Reaching out to students
  • Phone calls/emails
  • Training preparation
  • Social media initiatives
  • Tabling events

If interested, a form will be distributed during training.

Time commitment varies based on office needs and TXSM phone calls.

Fall/Spring Semester Events

TXSM Hours

Communicate with students consistently through check-ins and meetings. Share resources and host programming/workshops/community exercises.

  • Time commitment: Up to 4 hours/month until the end of February 2024. A schedule will be developed in August.
  • TXSMs will share information about resources, including academic deadlines (add/drop deadline, pass/fail deadline, course registration, etc.), campus events, and St. Louis city outings.
  • Based on reports, TXSMs may deliver targeted interventions to assist students who have been identified as needing support in their transition.
Weekly Team Meetings

Meetings will be every Thursday at a time decided by the team. The time commitment is 1 hour/per week.

Community Training

There will be 2 community trainings:

  • October 11, 2023, from 6 PM – 8 PM
  • January 17, 2024, from 6 PM – 8 PM

These times and dates are tentative and may be subject to change.

Additional Events
  • Transfer & Exchange Community Thanksgiving
  • Exchange Capstones (Exchange Mentors only)
  • Transfer Capstone (Transfer Mentors only)
  • Halfway to Graduation Celebration
  • St. Louis Excursions

Considerations to take before becoming a TXSM?

Questions to ask yourself and your support systems

Before accepting the TXSM position, we recommend you consider the following questions:

  1. What is it about the job that excites me?
  2. What can I bring to this role/What will this role bring me (personal growth)?
  3. Are there any worries or concerns I have right off the bat about this position or my abilities?
  4. What are my other responsibilities next year? Do I have the time management skills to balance all my responsibilities? Other responsibilities may include classes, research positions, other leadership roles, work positions, etc.
  5. Does the culture fit me, and do I support the overall mission?
  6. Can I picture myself doing this job and being happy doing it?
  7. Can I be a positive support system for first-year students?
Time Commitment
  1. Verify you are available for all important dates (consider summer plans and other commitments throughout the academic year).
  2. The time commitment is a year-long student leader role.
  3. Prior to the start of the fall semester, you will be expected to connect to your assigned first-year students on a digital platform (phone call, Zoom, Facetime).
  4. Biweekly TXSM hours (4 hours/month) until February 2024
  5. Complete check-ins, meetings, and TXSM notes by deadlines.
Other Factors to Consider
  • There are a few positions (listed below) that may prevent an individual from serving in the TXSM role.
    • Resident Advisor
    • CS40 Executive Board
    • Student Union Executive Officer
    • Student Technology Coordinator
  • TXSMs are unable to take summer classes that conflict with August training.
  • TXSMs are eligible to serve in the following roles at the same time as their TXSM commitment:
    • Aspirational Peer Mentors (APM) in the Deneb Stars
    • First-Year International leader (FYI Leader)
    • Academic Mentor (AM)
    • Peer-led team learning (PLTL) leader

Further questions about eligibility? Please contact Student Transitions & Family Programs.

FAQ’s

Compensation?

TXSMs will be paid at an hourly rate of $13.00. The TXSM position is a work-study-eligible position. 

What is the total time commitment?

TXSMs work approximately 150 hours starting in August through February.

Are there exceptions to attendance for required events?

Yes. Exceptions include academic conflicts (exams, tests, quizzes) and personal/familial emergencies (health, wellness, major events).

What does it mean to be a mandatory reporter?

In this role being a mandatory reporter means you are required to “report all incidents of sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking or other forms of misconduct that violate the USCC to their supervisor, the Title IX Coordinator, the Associate Title IX Coordinator, or to the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office”.

This is an important aspect of the TXSM role and applies to all transfer and exchange students.

More information will be provided during training.

Do I have to know everything about WashU to be a TXSM?

TXSMs are not expected to know everything about WashU when they accept the role. TXSMs are selected for their unique ability to bring their own transfer or international experiences to the table.

The training conducted throughout the spring and fall will help prepare TXSMs for the role and provide them with the information necessary to be successful. Additionally, each TXSM is able to provide their own insight into the WashU experience and can use that to make a positive impact.

If you worry about struggling with answering questions, know that you will be provided with the resources you need and can always reach out to fellow TXSMs, Execs, and Professional Staff for assistance.

What if I have a scheduling conflict with training?

If you have a scheduling conflict with one of the trainings, please email Student Transitions & Family Programs as soon as possible. Student Transitions & Family Programs works with each TXSM on a case-by-case basis to determine next steps. 


Accepting or Rescinding Your Offer

Accept Your Offer

To accept your offer, submit the online TXSM Hiring Form. Please let us know if we can provide you with additional information that will help in your decision-making process. Please refer to your offer email for your specific deadline to respond to your offer.

If you confirm you are accepting the position, we will send you additional HR paperwork that needs to be completed. Please review the list of acceptable documents that you must have in your possession at the time of onboarding. It is important you read and understand all the attached information. If you have any questions (or think you may have a time conflict with a specific date), please email us or stop by the office. 

Rescind Your Offer

To rescind your offer, please email us at transtions@wustl.edu. Please refer to your offer email for a deadline to respond.