Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the Virginia College Advising Corps?
University of Virginia undergraduates (4th and 5th year) who are no more than six years removed from high school.
What are the steps of the the application process?
Attend a Recruitment Night and submit a completed application by the deadline. Those selected to continue will interview with the VCAC Selection Committee. Second round interviews will be at UVA and include site supervisors from our partner high schools. Final round interviews will be at the high school sites.
College Adviser Position Description
How are placements decided?
The director will work with the prospective Adviser to determine the best placement. Candidates will be able to preference region of state and urban or rural school. Flexibility in choosing a placement is a must.
Is this a full-time job?
College Advisers work the same hours expected of the regular employees at their placement sites.
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.
How can the education award be used?
The $11,000 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 five-week training session occurs before you begin your placement. Training consists of time in the classroom based at the University and a state-wide tour of colleges and universities. VCAC provides room and board during summer training.
What is NCAC?
The National College Advising Corps (NCAC) 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 eighteen college and university advising corps across the country serving students in fourteen states.
Are there professional development opportunities?
VCAC Advisers meet monthly for on-going training during the academic year. Monthly training is conducted in Charlottesville at the University. College Advisers also attend annual training with AmeriCorps and access organizations such as Virginia College Access Network (VirginiaCAN) or National College Access Network (NCAN).
Where may I get more information?
Contact Joy Pugh, Director at joypugh@virginia.edu or 434-982-3993.
