Who is eligible to apply for the Virginia College Advising Corps?
Recent college graduates (2021, 2022, 2023, 24) with at minimum a bachelor's degree
What are the steps of the application process?
Step 1: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Qualified candidates will be invited to a virtual first-round interview.
Step 2: After the virtual first-round interview, selected candidates will be invited to virtually interview with representatives from one of our open partner schools. Current openings will be shared directly with selected candidates.
Step 3: Once school representatives evaluate candidates, finalists will be invited to visit the school they matched with before their placement is finalized via an official offer letter. Note: Site visits will be bypassed once the school year ends. At that time, finalists will receive an offer letter after the virtual interview with school representatives.
Candidates will be able to preference region of state and urban or rural school. Both Site Supervisors and candidates will utilize a rankings sheet to further refine placement preferences. Flexibility in choosing a placement is a must and final placements are decided by the Director.
Is this a full-time job?
This is a public service position that requires full-time hours. College Advisers generally work the same hours expected of other school employees at their placement sites, along with some nights and weekends.
How long do Advisers serve?
All Advisers make a two-year commitment when they agree to serve.
Is the program related to AmeriCorps?
The Virginia College Advising Corps is a grantee of the AmeriCorps program.
Does the program only funnel high-school students to UVA?
No. The program’s goal is to increase the number of high school students who matriculate to any post-secondary institution. Advisers pay particular attention to best match and best fit when advising students, in order to help them find an institution where they are most likely to be successful and persist to degree. Advisers also bring extensive financial aid knowledge to the advising process in order to help students think long-term about their post-secondary choices.
How can the education award be used?
The education award may be used for graduate/professional school expenses and/or student loan repayment. Under current tax law, the education award is taxable income.
What is summer training?
A multi-week training session occurs before you begin your placement. Training sessions are mostly held in Charlottesville, and also includes some campus visits across the state. VCAC provides housing during summer training. Pre-Service Training takes place in July.
What is CAC?
The College Advising Corps (CAC) is a unique program with the primary goal of raising the rates of college enrollment and completion among low-income, first-generation-college, under-represented high school students. The program began as the College Guide Program at the University of Virginia in 2005. In 2007, the program expanded to include ten additional institutional partners. The Virginia College Advising Corps is now one of twenty nine college and university Advising Corps chapters across the country serving students in seventeen states.
Are there professional development opportunities?
Yes, VCAC advisers meet frequently for on-going training during the academic year. Additionally, they attend the Virginia College Access Network (VirginiaCAN) Conference and College Advising Corps Summit.
Where may I get more information?
Contact Ashmore Hyndman III, Assistant Director at [email protected].
