Academic Exploration

Hoos Getting Ready, a summer program offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, offers incoming first-year students the opportunity to get a head start at UVA by earning one to six credits the summer before matriculation. Students are able to choose from one of three options: 

You & UVA Residential

Experience life on Grounds! Live in a residence hall with other incoming first-year students, enroll in two 3-credit College classes, and attend events that will introduce you to many of UVA’s student support services.

You & UVA Online

Take your first College seminar! Enroll in a 3-credit class that engages topics related to identity and college while also meeting other incoming first-year students virtually and learning about UVA resources.

Jump Start

Earn your first credit while still at home. Enroll in this course to engage with peers and learn about academic strategies and resources that will help you make the leap to the College.

The College also offers Spark!, a collection of self-paced, online workshops covering concepts, skills, and resources that will be helpful as students prepare to start college. As Spark! has no assignment submissions, participating in it carries no credit and will not appear on a student's UVA transcript. Everyone who wants to participate in Spark! will be admitted.

Getting off-Grounds

Cavalier Outdoor Adventure Retreat (COAR) is a unique three-day, extended orientation designed for first-year students who have completed their orientation session. Participants will camp in Shenandoah National Park, hike to waterfalls, enjoy scenic mountain views, and have the opportunity to stay at Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park.

Day 1

Welcome to COAR! The orientation will begin at 5 pm at the Slaughter Recreation Center located at 505 Edgemont Rd. Staff will check over equipment, check out any supplemental gear you may need (per packing list) and introduce you to the others in the group over the provided dinner that night. You will tent camp the next three nights at Loft mountain in the Shenandoah National Park which is located above 3,000 feet, so temperatures are much nicer in July. Temperatures at night are typically in the 50s.

Day 2

After breakfast, your group will head out for some shorter hikes with great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Dinners are back at camp with great spots for watching the sunset, group activities and discussions.

Day 3

On the third day, you'll enjoy a longer hike with scenic views, creeks and waterfalls. This hike will be approximately 8 miles long. You will hike at an enjoyable pace to make this the main event of the day, spend time at waterfalls, etc. The hike will be followed by a big dinner back at camp, as well as stargazing and a campfire (if weather permits).

Day 4

Enjoy a final breakfast at camp and pack-up. You'll arrive back in Charlottesville by late morning, return gear, take showers and enjoy going out to lunch together on the Corner. You'll arrive back at Slaughter Recreation Center by 1:30pm to conclude your trip.

Low-Cost Transportation

Airbus is a Student Council initiative that works to provide low-cost transportation to students in need of a ride TO Dulles International Airport and Richmond International Airport from Grounds. Tickets will range from $10-20 per student.

This summer, UVA's Student Council will be providing transportation services from Washington Dulles International Airport to the University of Virginia only on August 16, 2022. This service is intended mainly for students attending Session K Orientation from August 16 to 18. Session K Orientation is for new students traveling a great distance, including, but not limited to, international students. The deadline to signify interest is May 31, 2022 at 11:59 PM EST.

Sign-up Link

Sign-up for AirBus by May 31, 2022 at 11:59 PM EST. 

Connect with the AirBus Team

Email [email protected]

Employment Opportunities 

Student House Manager

The Old Cabell Hall Auditorium wants to immediately hire a part-time student House Manager for summer 2022 to work May Graduation, Reunions Weekends, Summer Orientation, August Graduations, and other events at Old Cabell Hall this summer. This job may continue into the academic year if desired.

Job Description

The Music Department House Managers are responsible for managing all of the non-performance aspects of all events held in the Old Cabell Hall Auditorium and a small number of Music Department events held in other venues.

The House Manager’s job is to make sure that the event runs smoothly, all parts of the building function properly, all patrons’ needs are met (if possible), the Music Department presents a professional appearance to the world, and all rules and laws are followed. The safety of the audience, the building, the University of Virginia, and the reputation of the McIntire Department of Music are your top priorities. 

In the absence of Music Department staff, House Managers manage the Ushers, Recording Techs, and Desk Supervisors. They supervise all contractors, monitor who is in secure spaces, act as liaison with the Arts Box Office, the fire department, ambulance, police, ground security, housekeeping, and UVA Facilities. House Managers must present a professional image, solve problems calmly, and be able to speak with authority on behalf of the Music Department. Hours vary with the event schedule and are usually during the evenings and on weekends. Reports to the Director of Music Production, Joel Jacobus.

Application

If you want to apply for this position, email Joel Jacobus. 

UVA Bookstore Student Sales Staff

The UVA Bookstore is the Official on Grounds store for the University of Virginia. We’re looking for a team of enthusiastic students that have interest in developing skills in a real world business environment in merchandising, marketing, technology, and books.

Job Description

Required skills: Friendly, happy, academic and sports enthusiast. Willingness to develop both business and UVA acumen.

Must be able to take direction, work on multiple projects at the same time, be able to work University events, including home football games.

Hours: up to 20 hrs/wk between 8:30am-6:00pm. 7 days a week and during home football season.

Application

Apply on the UVA Bookstore website. Email Atanya or Joe with any questions.

UVA Rec Staff

There is a lot more to UVA Rec than just gyms or flag football. Join a team passionate about enriching the student experience here at UVA. At UVA Rec, you can serve in many different ways from lifeguarding to sport officiating to teaching to photography. Our opportunities offer career experience and professional development to serve you long after graduation.

Job Description

We accept applications year-round for positions in Lifeguarding, Business Service, Facilities, Fitness, Intramural Sports, Marketing, Outdoor Adventure, and Rec Programs.  For more detailed position descriptions, please visit the UVA Rec Student Employment web page.

Application

For all positions, apply on the UVA Rec Student Employment web page.  If you have questions about any of our positions, email UVA Rec.