Resident Community Advisor (RCA) (Student Wage)

The Office of Summer & Special Academic Programs is seeking a undergraduate students to serve Resident Community Advisors (RCAs) for the UVA Advance summer program. UVA Advance is a residential program for rising high school juniors and seniors. Students live in a residence hall on Grounds during Summer Session III and take two, 3-credit classes. Students also participate in workshops and field trips.

Resident Community Advisors monitor the residence hall, provide guidance and supervision to program participants, plan and execute informal evening activities, and supervise weekend excursions.

Start Date: July 9, 2026

End Date: August 8, 2026

Schedule: Exact hours vary according to on-call and other duties. All dates must be in-person in the assigned residence hall. Weekend and evening work is required when program is in session.

Compensation:

• $1,674 to be paid in two instalments via Period Activity Pay

Position Allowances:

• Housing (single room in residence hall) and dining plan
• Parking pass and AFC access (if applicable)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Enforce University and program rules and policies, (including nightly curfew)
• Provide supervision of program participants and communicate concerns and needs in a clear and timely manner to the Head RCA and Program Director
• Conduct meetings with program participants
• Plan and execute regular evening activities for program participants
• Maintain an active presence in the program community and seek opportunities to build relationships with students
• Possess willingness and ability to operate on-call for emergencies
• Reside in Gibbons Hall during entirety of program (July 9-August 8)
  • RCAs may take a class or work another part-time job or internship during daytime hours, provided the total time commitment does not exceed 20 hours per week. Any additional employment must be at or in the immediate vicinity of UVA. RCAs are required to be present in the residence hall during evening and overnight hours and may not work an outside job during those times.
  • RCAs must be available for the following daytime hours:
    • Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11 (all day): RCA staff training and student arrival
    • Sunday, July 12 (morning only): Team Building Field Day
    • Two Saturday excursions during the course of the program (exact dates and times to be coordinated with Head RCA)
    • Saturday, August 9 (morning only): Move out and departure

Qualifications:

• UVA undergraduate student in good standing, with a minimum GPA of 2.25
• Ability to reside on-site in Gibbons Hall for duration of program (July 9-August 8)
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral format
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with University staff and students
• Ability to quickly pivot and adjust to evolving situations  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience as a Resident Advisor at UVA or similar residential program
• Experience with adolescents ages 15-18
• Understanding of teenage mental, social, and emotional development

Application Process:

Submit resume, cover letter, and contact information for two professional references.

Direct questions to:

Alana Speth

Assistant Director of Operations, Summer & Special Academic Programs

aspeth@virginia.edu

Candidates will be required to participate in an individual interview with the Summer & Special Academic Programs staff. This position requires a background check and training with the Office of Youth Protection.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.