GET INVOLVED
Becoming involved on campus can tremendously impact your student experience here at UVM. The SGA recognizes over 100 student organizations, including a nationally recognized debate team and a student-run newspaper, radio station, TV station, rescue squad, legal services and many more academic, artistic, musical, cultural, political, religious, and service clubs. In addition, there are 35 club sports, some of which engage in intercollegiate competition and more than 22 intramural sports.
Featured Student Leadership Opportunities
Leadership isn't always about what position you hold in an organization. You don't have to be on the upper level of some hierarchy to be able to practice your leadership skills. Below are some opportunities that are available around campus for you to develop your leadership skills in new and exciting ways while working with other students in somewhat non-traditional ways. These opportunities were chosen because of their outstanding training and the life-changing experiences that they offer. If you have any questions, please contact the individuals listed directly.
AdvoCats (Tour Guides)
Contact: Kirsten Fricke | 656-3370 | kfricke@uvm.edu
AdvoCats lead campus tours, facilitate informational interviews, participate in student panels, and attend on and off-campus visit receptions. This group is crucial to the Admissions Office recruitment efforts because they are sometimes the only contact prospective students and their families have with UVM. AdvoCats receive service scholarships and are required to attend 5 days of training as well as monthly meetings. Apply to be an AdvoCat.
Student Conduct Associates / Academic Integrity Council
Contact: Lara Scott | 656-4360 | Lara.Scott@uvm.edu
Student Conduct Associates and Academic Integrity Council hear cases of alleged violations of the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Code of Academic Integrity, respectively. SCAs and AI Council members are active participants in hearing proceedings by questioning all parties, determining the facts in an incident, rendering decisions, and recommending sanctions. Each role is a voluntary position for which members acquire skills in active listening, deliberation, group decision making, peer feedback, and policy interpretation. SCAs and AI Council Members are expected to attend a training session and may be asked to participate on various committees throughout the academic year. This position is a one-year commitment.
Orientation Leaders (OLs)
Contact: Ferene Paris Meyer | 656-4136 | Ferene.ParisMeyer@uvm.edu
Orientation Leaders (OLs) work collaboratively with staff and faculty to provide each incoming class and their families with an introduction to UVM. This introduction, held during the month of June, highlights UVM’s spirit, mission, curriculum, and co-curriculum. In order to demonstrate what membership in our community is all about, OLs introduce and model UVM’s community rights and responsibilities. This is an intensive one-month summer commitment that pays approximately $900 and offers free room and board for the duration of the contract.
Resident Advisors (RAs)
Contact: Christina Olstad | 656-3434 | Christina.Olstad@uvm.edu
RAs serve as a link between the residence halls and other university departments and offices. RAs are the first contact person for students as they navigate the responsibilities and challenges of learning and living on campus. RAs are available and accessible to residents by spending time in their residence hall and advising residents regarding personal, social, and academic concerns in a timely manner, referring to professional staff when necessary. They also serve as an appropriate role model for community leadership, policy adherence, academic commitment, and general behavior. RAs sign a one-year contract for which they receive free room and board.
University Program Board (UPB)
Contact: Matthew Gilsbach | 656-2060 | Matthew.Gilsbach@uvm.edu
The University Program Board (UPB) is a student-run programming organization that offers paid leadership opportunity. They will develop and produce consistent, high quality events and activities to satisfy and reflect the diverse interests and social needs of the student body. Members attend weekly meetings, serve on committees, plan and produce events throughout the semester, and may travel to conferences. Members should be creative, have teamwork and organizational skills, be dependable, show initiative, and have an interest in campus programs.