Student Docent Program

The UVaM's volunteer docents give engaging and interactive tours to a variety of school groups and community organizations from across the central Virginia region. They also assist with the Museum's special programs, including the annual Writer's Eye competition, and Early Visions, an arts-mentoring program for at-risk youth.

University students and community members who are interested in becoming docents prepare for the program by enrolling in the Museum's required 10-week Docent Training Course. Participants in the course develop observational skills and knowledge of the elements of art through investigation of the Museum's collections and current exhibitions, learn public speaking skills and techniques for facilitating tours, and complete a qualifying tour at the end of the course.

The Student Docents are an official U.Va. student organization. Interested students are encouraged to apply by the spring of their second year in order to have at least one full year as an active docent after completing the program. Rising fourth years will only be accepted to the program if they are planning to stay on for graduate study, or if there are additional unused spaces in the Docent Training Course. Applications are reviewed by the docent coordinator and a panel of current members.

Fall 2013

Docent Training Course
September 4 – November 20, 2013
Wednesdays, 2–5 pm

Application deadline for Fall 2013
Friday, March 29, 2012

Application for Student Docent Training Course (pdf) >

Continuing education for student docents

After their initial training period, student docents attend weekly education meetings that include lectures by curators, guest speakers, and education staff on special exhibitions and the permanent collection. As a group, docents occasionally take field trips to other museums.

In spring 2013, Student Docent Education meetings will be held in the Museum on Fridays from 1-2 pm.

For information on Community Docent Education meetings, see >