Wolfe Undergraduate Docent Program
About the Program | How to Apply | Previous Awardees
The Wolfe Docent Program offers U.Va. undergraduate students an introduction to the Special Collections Library and the opportunity to develop an outreach project that promotes the library’s resources to the university community and wider public. Examples of projects may include developing a customized tour of a library exhibit, designing resources on Special Collections Library materials for schoolchildren, or creating a multi-media project about Special Collections Library materials to be made available online. Possible project topics include the subjects of current or upcoming library exhibits.
The term docent is derived from the Latin verb docere (to teach). In the spirit of the educational mission of the Harrison Institute, the undergraduate docents selected for this program will become teachers for their peers and others in the academic community on topics of their choice relating to the collection of rare and unique materials held in the Special Collections Library.
U.Va. undergraduates, who demonstrate a commitment to the humanities and/or social sciences, interest in learning about careers in libraries and/or museums, and desire to develop strong research and communication skills, are encouraged to apply for the program. The approximate time commitment for participation in this program is three hours per week during the spring semester. Awards will be accompanied by a $500 prize.
The experience of working in the Special Collections Library and Harrison Institute may inspire ideas for a research project that could form the basis of a proposal for a Harrison Undergraduate Research Award administered by the Center for Undergraduate Excellence.
In order to qualify for the program, an undergraduate student must have already successfully completed one academic year of study at U.Va.
To apply, submit a complete application, including:
1) a resume,
2) a 500-word statement of interest,
3) a transcript [official or unofficial], and
4) the names of two University faculty or staff members, who can provide a reference.
The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, November 30, 2009.
Awardees will be notified on or before Monday, January 11, 2010.
E-mail applications will not be accepted. Applications must be mailed or delivered by hand to:
The Wolfe Undergraduate Docent Program
The Mary and David Harrison Institute for American History, Literature, and Culture
P. O. Box 400874 / Rm. 304
University of Virginia Library
Charlottesville, VA 22904-400874
Please contact Kelly Miller (kellymiller@virginia.edu) with any questions.
Previous Awardees 
2009
Jennifer Eaton (center) is a second-year student, who intends to enter the Commerce School with a focus on Finance and Marketing. She is a member of the Resident Staff, the University Judicial Committee, and the McIntire Women’s Business Forum.
Nicole Gates (left) is a fourth-year student and Echols Scholar majoring in Art History. She is a volunteer intern for the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection and is considering graduate studies in art management and museum studies.
Katherine Vorhis (right) is a third-year student, Echols Scholar, and recipient of the McCrickard Scholarship. She is double-majoring in Neuroscience and History.