The University of Virginia

 

UVA Club of RICHMOND - SCHOOLS’ COMMITTEE

PURPOSE 

  1. Plant seeds of interest in UVA

  2. Help recruit new students for UVA

  3. Support and celebrate students choosing to attend UVA

 

ANNUAL ACTIVITIES

All activities of the Schools’ committee are directed towards high school students, especially juniors and seniors, attending schools (public or private) within a 40 mile radius of Richmond, Virginia. Parents of students currently enrolled at the University or members of the UVA Richmond Club who enjoy working with young people are invited to join. Events are planned and staged in cooperation with the University’s Office of Engagement and Office of Admissions.

1.       College Fairs-

Area school systems annually hold “College Fairs” where they invite numerous colleges and universities to assemble and disseminate information on their particular school. Traditionally, a school system will select one high school to serve as host for the entire system. The University sends a representative from the Office of Admissions and the UVA Richmond Club assists the admissions representative in any way they request, supplying additional manpower, appropriate decorations, etc.

2.      Junior Night-

In the spring, the Office of Admissions stages an informative session for area juniors who are interested in attending the University and their parents. The Office of Admissions communicates with local high school guidance counselors who invite the students. It is held in a school in the metropolitan Richmond area. The Schools’ Committee serves as host, providing the venue, extra manpower, registration, decorations, and sometimes refreshments.  

3.      The Jefferson Book Award- 

This award is given, annually, by participating schools, to the high school junior who best exemplifies the Jeffersonian principles of scholarship, leadership, character and community service. The recipient is selected by the individual school. The award is presented during the school’s awards assembly, usually held in the months of May or June. The current book awarded is The Quotable Jefferson by John P. Kaminski. The Schools’ Committee is responsible for recruiting the schools, ordering and distributing the books, sometimes presenting the award and sharing information with the Office of Engagement. Between 30 and 50 schools participate in this program.

4.      Reception for Newly Accepted and Undecided Applicants-

In April, after acceptance letters have been mailed and before the decision deadline, a reception is held to congratulate the new students and to provide the undecided with one last chance to ask questions and experience some aspect of University life. The Schools’ Committee provides the venue, refreshments, decorations, entertainment and program. The University sends student ambassadors and a representative from the Office of Engagement.

5.       Student Send-Off-

In the weeks before the new students leave for the University, the UVA Richmond Club hosts a send-off party to celebrate the new class and provide support, best wishes and an opportunity for local students to get to know other area students. The Schools’ Committee selects the venue, program activities, decorations, and refreshments. The University sends out invitations with the Committee receiving the responses. Student ambassadors and representatives from the University attend. 

 

Jefferson Scholars

The goal of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation is to attract students to U.Va. who possess exceptional talent in leadership, scholarship and citizenship.  The merit-based Undergraduate Jefferson Scholarships cover the entire cost of attending U.Va. including room, board, tuition, and reasonable living expenses.

Local alumni can participate in the Richmond area regional selection process by interviewing or greeting outstanding high school senior nominees from more than 40 local schools. Selected nominees are then invited to the Jefferson Scholar National Selection.  These nominees participate in interviews, testing, and competition with other finalists from all over the world.

The UVaClub of Richmond provides opportunities for local alumni and friends to contribute to the Jefferson Scholars program and encourages participation in the program activities.

The Jefferson Scholars program is managed independently from the UVaClub of Richmond.  More information on the Jefferson Scholars can be found on their website at http://www.jeffersonscholars.org.