The Grainger College of Engineering
The Grainger First-Year Experience

New Student Registration

Be a part of the team

Summer 2026 applications will open in Spring 2026.

New Student Registration (NSR) positions

GFX seeks to hire on-campus and online positions every year for summer NSR to create a welcoming environment for new first-year and transfer students as they prepare for their first semester with Grainger College of Engineering!

Applications for Summer 2026 will open in Spring 2026.
Please contact Joan Brown at jbrown76@illinois.edu if you have any questions.

NSR Assistants are trained undergraduate engineering students that support incoming first-year and transfer students during registration and create a welcoming environment for their on-campus or online NSR experience. There are multiple on-campus and limited online (remote) positions available.

Responsibilities  

  • Contribute to a welcoming team and New Student Registration environment 
  • Help new students navigate the registration system and register for classes 
  • Check student schedules for accuracy and balance 
  • Provide insight about campus opportunities, resources, and transitioning to the university 
  • Effectively collaborate and communicate with NSR Assistants, Group Leaders, Student Directors, and GFX 
  • Participate in mandatory NSR training and regular NSR staff meetings 
  • On-campus NSR Assistant: 
    • Support logistics such as preparing materials for the day 
  • Online NSR Assistant: 
    • Facilitate occasional online community building or informational sessions for new students 
    • Track new student use of the online help room 

Qualifications 

  • Enthusiastic about welcoming diverse students to Grainger College of Engineering and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
  • Desire to help new students with empathy, respect, and professionalism 
  • Good teamwork and communication skills 
  • Familiarity with the registration system 

Requirements 

  • Current undergraduate engineering student in good academic and disciplinary standing 
  • Eligible to work in the United States 
  • On-campus NSR Assistant: 
    • May 30, 2026 from 11:00am – 5:00pm CT (lunch provided): mandatory on-campus NSR training 
    • June 1 – July 10, 2026: work on-campus 12 to 20 hours per week. Tentative shifts are weekdays from 1:00 – 5:00pm CT. Additional hours in July and August may be available.
  • Online NSR Assistant: while this position is remote, candidates must be physically located in and eligible to work in the United States. Preference will be given to Illinois residents. 
    • May 27 – 28, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00pm CT: mandatory online NSR training 
    • June 1 – July 10, 2026: work online 9 to 30 hours per week. Tentative shifts are weekdays from 9:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00 – 4:00pm CT. Additional hours in July and August may be available. 
  • Access to stable internet, a quiet space, and a computer/laptop with video/webcam 

Working Conditions 

  • On-campus NSR Assistant: indoors and outdoors

Benefits 

  • $15 per hour compensation 
  • Work hours are flexible for academic and personal commitments 
  • Professional development mentorship including resume, CliftonStrengths, and NACE career readiness competencies 
  • Friendships with NSR student staff 
  • GFX t-shirt(s) and other swag 
  • Snacks and occasional meals

 NSR Group Leaders are trained undergraduate engineering students that create a welcoming environment for incoming first-year and transfer students’ on-campus experience and lead group NSR activities. This position is on-campus only and there are multiple positions available. Applicants not selected for this position will be considered for NSR Assistant.
 

Responsibilities 

  • Contribute to a welcoming team and New Student Registration environment 
  • Lead a group of 25 new students through daily programming including community building activities, informational sessions, and lunch conversations (meal provided) 
  • Help new students navigate the registration system and register for classes 
  • Check student schedules for accuracy and balance 
  • Provide insight about campus opportunities, resources, and transitioning to the university 
  • Support logistics such as check-in and preparing materials for the day 
  • Effectively collaborate and communicate with NSR Assistants, Group Leaders, Student Directors, and GFX 
  • Participate in mandatory NSR training and regular NSR staff meetings 

Qualifications   

  • Enthusiastic about welcoming diverse students to Grainger College of Engineering and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
  • Desire to help new students with empathy, respect, and professionalism 
  • Good teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills 
  • Adaptability and good judgment to shift priorities and address urgent needs that may arise 
  • Familiarity with the registration system and campus resources 

Requirements 

  • Current undergraduate engineering student in good academic and disciplinary standing 
  • Eligible to work in the United States 
  • May 29 – 30, 2026 from 9:00am – 5:00pm CT (lunch provided): mandatory on-campus NSR training 
  • June 1 – July 10, 2026: work on-campus 14 to 35 hours per week. Shifts are weekdays from 10:00am – 5:00pm CT. Additional hours in July and August may be available. 

Working Conditions 

  • Indoors and Outdoors 
  • Regular travel across campus between locations like Grainger Library, Illinois Street Residence Dining Hall, and the Illini Union Bookstore 
  • Push, pull, or lift up to 30 lbs with a cart 

Benefits 

  • $16 per hour compensation 
  • Work hours are flexible for academic and personal commitments 
  • Professional development mentorship including resume, CliftonStrengths, and NACE career readiness competencies 
  • Friendships with NSR student staff 
  • GFX t-shirt(s) and other swag 
  • Snacks and occasional meals

What is NSR like?

"My favorite part of NSR was getting the opportunity to meet so many different students. I liked that I was able to relieve some of the stress students and parents might have for the first time."

Geo Qadri, 2024 Group Leader

What is NSR like?

"NSR gave me the opportunity to develop my presentation and communication skills while working with a fun and lively student staff. I don't think I've ever smiled while working as much as I did with NSR!"

Grace Cho, 2024 Group Leader

What is NSR like?

"My experience with NSR has been one of the highlights of my undergraduate career so far. Being able to work with such a dedicated team all for the purpose of helping a new generation of Illini has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. The connections that I have made during NSR have proven to be invaluable, as has the gratification in helping so many take their first steps here"

Sumayyah Hussain, 2023 Student Director

What is NSR like?

"New Student Registration was one of the most fulfilling experiences I've had in my undergraduate years. These students were just like me and you, just as excited, confused, and incredibly talented. Entering engineering school is scary but working for NSR makes a real difference for the students that you interact with. I loved it, and I hope you love it, too!"

Rene Mohammadi, 2024 Student Director