Apply to be a TSPA

The Transfer Student Peer Advisor (TSPA) Program is a student run organization designed to help new transfer students become acclimated at the University of Virginia. TSPAs are primary resources for easing the academic and social transition of new transfer students into the University. This program fosters a strong network of transfer students who can rely upon one another for support, friendship and guidance. TSPAs strengthen this network through academic and social programming for new transfer students as well as through close and frequent contact with their advisees.

TSPA's will …

  • Create a welcoming environment for all new transfer students
  • Provide friendship and support to new students during their transition
  • Provide information regarding University and community resources
  • Direct students to appropriate academic resources as requested
  • Provide educational and social programming to meet student needs
  • Assist students as they learn about opportunities for involvement at U.Va.
  • Maintain enthusiasm and dedication to the TSPA program and all new transfers

Application Materials

Applications for TSPAs will be available at the end of January.

TSPA Chair

Apply to be a TSPA Chair

The application asks these essay questions
(in no more than 150 words):

  • What interests you in the Transfer Student Peer Advisor Chair position, and what skills would you bring to it?
  • What are your ideas to improve the TSPA Program? What are you happy with, and what would you like the change?
  • How might you assist in motivating the TSPA team to remain active? Please be as specific as possible.
  • What do you see as some of the most significant transition concerns that transfer students are likely to experience at the University of Virginia? Please suggest some specific activities or resources that the TSPA program could offer to address these concerns.
  • Please rank your interest between the following three positions: Academic Chair (academic focus), Community Life Chair (residential life focus), and Administrative Chair (social and logistics focus).
  • What other activities will you be involved in during this next year?

Apply · Applications due Monday, November 2, 2009.

Transfer Student Peer Advisor (TSPA) Chairs serve as liaisons between Orientation and New Student Programs (ONSP) and members of the TSPA team by assisting with the general operation of the TSPA program and helping with the implementation of transfer student programs. TSPA Chairs assist with the selection and training of new TSPAs, serve as resources to members of the TSPA team, advise midyear transfers, help coordinate Welcome Week activities during Fall Orientation, and assist the Orientation office with various transfer-related tasks as necessary. Students selected to the Chair position must be self-motivated and demonstrate initiative. In addition, they must be organized, dependable, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable about resources in and around the University.

Responsibilities

  • Participate in TSPA Chair transition and training meetings in November and December, tentatively Wednesday, November 18, 2009 and Wednesday, December 2, 2009
  • Assist ONSP with the coordination of Midyear Orientation and assist the day of Midyear Orientation, Tuesday, January 19, 2010
  • Advise approximately 10–15 midyear transfer students (correspond with new transfers over winter break, answer questions about social/academic aspects of University life, etc.)
  • Serve as a Transfer Student Peer Advisor and fulfill all associated responsibilities
  • Assist ONSP with recruitment and selection of new TSPAs
  • Facilitate communication between TSPAs and Orientation and New Student Programs
  • Supervise a team of TSPAs and serve as resource by answering their questions, directing them to appropriate resources, and providing general support
  • Work with Assistant Director of ONSP to plan and implement three TSPA training sessions on Friday, April 9 (4:00–6:00 pm); Friday, April 30 (4:00–6:00 pm); and tentatively Saturday, August 21 (12:00–2:00 pm)
  • Coordinate at least two team meetings/social activities with TSPA teams each semester
  • Assist ONSP with assigning new transfer students to TSPAs during the summer
  • Assist ONSP in preparing for Transfer Student Welcome Week events
  • Assist with transfer Summer Orientation sessions, if available
  • Plan and implement programs for new transfer students
  • Assist ONSP with the organization of the Transfer Student Dome Room Dinner in October
  • Participate in Midyear Orientation in January 2010
  • Assist ONSP in the selection, training, and transition of new TSPA Chairs for 2010–2011

Important Dates

Application deadline (& sign-ups for interviews)
Nov. 2
Interviews (Office of Orientation, 1st Floor Newcomb)
Nov. 6
Selection announcement
Nov. 10