Pre-College Summer Counselor

VCUarts Summer Pre-College Program

Opportunities: Counselor and Senior Counselor

Description of the Job

The Virginia Commonwealth University, School of the Arts (VCUarts) seeks highly responsible and motivated counselors and senior counselors to assist with and provide leadership during the Summer Pre-College Program for High School Students.

Program Dates

July 12 - 31, 2026

More about the program: arts.vcu.edu

The counseling team goal is to provide a superior quality experience for each high school participant. All counselors are required to be on-campus with the high school students, and assist them throughout the weekdays and weekends during the three-week program. Specific time/days for counselors will depend on daily assigned shifts.

Counselors are expected to serve as ambassadors of the University and of the School of the Arts to visiting students and their parents. Counselors are required to attend all training sessions and meetings with the Head of Residence Life and the Program Director.

Counselor daily activities include escorting students to and from campus housing, meals, morning and afternoon classes, and planning and running evening social activities throughout the three-week program.

Counselors will also participate in chaperoning field trips and supervising other assigned group activities in the evenings and on weekends. Senior Counselor activities include those listed above, as well as motivating a team of counselors and resolving student and counselor concerns.

Senior Counselor and Counselor job titles will be identified and determined based on the required and preferred experience and education of the selected candidate.

All counselors will attend online trainings at the end of June / beginning of July, as well as an in-person training on July 11th. Training attendance is mandatory.

Required Qualifications

• High energy, enthusiastic

• Outstanding communication skills

• A passion for working with students

• Positive, flexible, hard-working and engaging

• The ability to walk long distances for extended periods

• Excellent interpersonal skills including a high-level of desire, patience, and sensitivity to meet the needs of the students at all times

• A clear understanding of University and Residence Life policies, as well as the ability to monitor behavior and convey policies to the students

• Ability to clearly and assertively address minor infractions and misunderstandings

• Ability to provide leadership and to closely monitor the students throughout the program to ensure their safety

• Strong organization and communication skills

• A valid driver’s license and transportation

• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• VCU School of the Arts graduate students, rising junior or senior undergraduate students and alumni

• Those who have previous experience as a residence hall assistant

• Experience working at summer camps for high school students

• Ability to live in the dormitory for the duration of the program

• Teaching experience

Application Materials Should Include the Following

• Cover Letter
• Current CV or Resume
• A list of three current references including names, phone numbers, and email addresses (references will not be contacted prior to applicant’s approval)

Slotting: Hall Director SS Base