The Office of Summer & Special Academic Programs is seeking a graduate student to serve as the Program Assistant and Head Resident Community Advisor for the UVA Advance summer program. UVA Advance is a residential program for rising high school juniors and seniors. Students live in a residence hall on Grounds during Summer Session III and take two, 3-credit classes. Students also participate in workshops and field trips.

The Head RCA and Program Assistant will be asked to assist with program planning, supervise undergraduate staff, monitor the residence hall, provide guidance and supervision of program participants, and chaperone weekend field trips.

Start Date: June 23, 2025

End Date: August 9, 2025

Schedule: 20 hours per week

• June 23-July 9 (Prior to program start): Hours generally fall within standard business hours, with some flexibility and possibility of partly remote work. In-person work will take place in the Summer & Special Academic Programs office.
• July 10-August 9 (During program): Exact hours vary according to on-call and other duties. All days must be in-person in the assigned residence hall.
  • Weekend and evening work is required when program is in session.

Compensation:

• $4,000 to be paid in three instalments via Period Activity Pay

Position Allowances:

• Housing (single room in residence hall) and dining plan while program is in session (July 10-August 9)
• Parking pass and AFC access (if applicable)

Duties and Responsibilities:

Prior to program start:

• Organize student paperwork, including class registrations, laptop loan agreements, roommate assignments, and confidential health forms
• Organize parent contact information and maintain email updates
• Assist with student move in and program launch
• Help plan and organize training for Resident Community Advisors
• Help plan and organize orientation for students and parents
• Assist SSAP team as needed

During program:

• Reside in Gibbons Hall during entirety of program (July 10-August 9)
• Maintain schedules for on-call RCAs, field trips, and evening activities
• Enforce University and program rules and policies, (including nightly curfew)
• Provide leadership for Resident Community Advisors, serving as first point of contact and primary liaison with Program Director
• Conduct regular meetings with Resident Community Advisors
• Assist with record maintenance and budget tracking
• Maintain an active presence in the program community and seek opportunity to build relationships with students
• Possess willingness and ability to operate on-call for emergencies

Qualifications:

• UVA graduate student in good standing, with a minimum GPA of 2.25
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral format
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with University staff, peers, and adolescents
• Demonstrable leadership experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience as a Resident Advisor or Senior Resident at UVA
• Experience with adolescents ages 15-18
• Understanding of teenage mental, social, and emotional development
• Prior experience with UVA Advance strongly preferred

Application Process:

Submit resume, cover letter, and contact information for two professional references.

Direct questions to:

Alana Speth

Assistant Director of Operation, Summer & Special Academic Programs

aspeth@virginia.edu

Candidates will be required to participate in an individual interview with the Summer & Special Academic Programs staff. This position requires a background check and training with the Office of Youth Protection.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.