ACCESS MANIFESTA'S FULL SET OF RESOURCES AND PROGRAMMING THROUGH THEIR WEB PLATFORM!
our manifestA:
manifestA is a collectively-led organization facilitated by students and open to all members of the A-School community (students, faculty, and staff)–past and present. We welcome participation from all disciplines, backgrounds, sexual orientations, genders (including trans and non-binary folx), ethnicities, races, and abilities.
manifestA seeks to challenge the explicit and implicit inequities and biases that have been perpetuated within the allied design professions and the built environment. We acknowledge our professions’ complicity in creating and reinforcing unjust systems. manifestA stands against white supremacy and systemic racism. We stand with the Black Lives Matter movement in solidarity for the dignity, protection, and empowerment of Black, Indigenous, and Peoples of Color. manifestA is a platform to address these institutions of injustice as they intersect with design and the built environment.
In alliance with the Inclusion + Equity Committee of the School of Architecture, the National Organization for Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS), A-School International Student Association (AISA), and others, we aim to foster meaningful conversations and educational programming that will strengthen the A-School community's ability to address issues of justice and equity in academic and professional work.
Join us in our commitment to listen, learn, and amplify the voices leading these conversations.
commitment:
We will:
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Hold our organization and larger institution accountable to continue to address injustice in the UVA School of Architecture guided by the Call to Action, which was led by A-School community members.
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Work with partner organizations inside and outside the A-School to foster meaningful conversations, host educational programming, facilitate collaboration between different departments and in related fields, and serve as a connector to larger issues of inclusion + equity at the University of Virginia.
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Share resources which promote dialogue about equity across the disciplines of the built environment.
programming:
manifestA is committed to expanding the discourse of the A-School regarding equity and inclusion through various platforms including:
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Syllabus Talks:
A regularly held reading group hosted by rotating faculty and community members to highlight their interests and create an opportunity for conversation between students and faculty -
Digital Resources Library:
An evolving list of publicly accessible resources available on the web related to the built environment and centering BIPOC/ feminist/ LGBTQIA+/ international voices and concerns
Access our Digital Resources: here -
Equity Library Book Share:
A curated collection of books exploring various issues related to equity in the built environment is available to students, faculty, and staff of the A-School to borrow
List of books available via the Equity Library Book Share: here -
Exhibitions
An annual effort to more deeply explore issues of equity through a public exhibition to be hosted by the A-School -
Student Research Colloquium
A forum for students from all years and disciplines to share and receive feedback on in-progress projects through an equity/racial justice lens -
Coordinated Programming
Participation in the organization of shared events across A-School student groups including portfolio reviews, mentoring, and workshops -
Guest Lectures and Speakers
Advocate for a diverse slate of lecturers, visiting faculty, reviewers, and guest critics reflecting the diverse demographics we wish to see in the discipline
manifestA is always open to input from current A-School students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Please reach out via email with your vision for how we can work towards more equitable design education and address issues of justice in the built environment at manifestauva@gmail.com.
Follow us on Instagram, @manifesta_uva.
The Student Planners Association (SPA):
SPA promotes urban planning practice and equity in the built environment, and supports the professional and academic development of its members in urban and environmental planning professions. SPA represents students in the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning -- both graduate and undergraduate – serving as a liaison between the student body, department, and faculty. We also welcome any students with an interest in planning from across the university to join us as members. SPA organizes planning-related and social events, connects members with training and professional development opportunities, and strives to engage with and serve the Charlottesville-area community on planning-related issues.
Our Mission is to create an opportunity for students, faculty, and the community to engage in planning-related conversation, enhance our professional networks, and expand our knowledge and understanding of the changing built environment.
Programming:
Monthly SPA meetings are held to create a platform for an open, student-led discussion of planning-related issues, as well as serves an opportunity to update each other on a variety of SPA-Sponsored events like:
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Upcoming Discussions and Symposiums
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Professional Workshops
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Publication Releases
Get Involved!
We would love to have you join SPA; our group is open to all University of Virginia students, both graduate and undergraduate, who are interested. Please reach out to any of the Leadership Team members with any questions. Also, like our Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram @planning_at_uva to hear about the latest updates from SPA!
WHY HISTORY IN THE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE?
Because Architectural history is at a nexus of design, art history, anthropology, planning, American Studies, cultural studies, and many other disciplines, UVASAH is positioned to be an active and significant student organization within the UVA School of Architecture. Architectural historians play an important role in aspects of spatial justice in our built environment and advocate for academic contextualization, spatial theory, and practical decision-making that affect our world’s development. It is our job to be a connector between fields, as well as within these spaces at large—to advocate for education and inclusion of spatial histories at the forefront of discussion within academic institutions, cultural spaces, cities, and in the field.
As a student organization that understands the importance of architectural history, we must be active collaborators with other disciplines and examine the built environment with a critical eye—one that recognizes its complexity and investigates for whom, how, and why, environments are shaped the way they are. It is our duty to rediscover, document, interpret, and share why architecture, the built environment, and cultural landscapes matter.
A HISTORICAL, YET TRANSFORMING, ORGANIZATION
UVASAH (formally TJSAH) is the oldest student-run chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians. It serves as a social and scholastic link between the faculty and students of UVA's Department of Architectural History, which is the oldest such department in the nation. In this capacity, UVASAH hosts lectures by distinguished scholars, coordinates guided trips to historic sites, arranges social events for students and faculty, engages with the community, and provides leadership and feedback on the changing discourse of our discipline.
Traditionally, the Architectural History Department has consisted of friends and colleagues who are stewards and scholars of architecture, the built environment, and cultural landscape studies. The collective goal of UVASAH is to continue to create an open, trusting, and enlightening dialogue between students, faculty, and staff as we elevate the discipline for more inclusive conversations and connections.
WHAT WE’RE DOING:
The organization’s recent goal is foregrounding and responding to contemporary analyses and movements that continue to shift the state(s) of the field of architectural history today. For instance, UVASAH will address that many past efforts to record, archive, and interpret the history of the built environment have been structured through white-centric assumptions of power that often highlight the architectures and deeds of elitist contributors while obscuring much more diverse vernacular narratives and histories.
Along these lines, we will be adding a focus to our programming specifically related to social justice. We hope to expand and promote topics of inquiry that embrace a wide and complicated variety of stories by focusing our events and lectures on vernacular architecture, cultural landscapes, and ways the discipline can center voices from marginalized communities. In doing this work, we pledge to actively listen and support those calling for structural change within our discipline, as well as at the A-School, UVA, and in Charlottesville communities.
We are also actively collaborating with other student groups within the A School, as well as graduates in various humanities programs across UVA to cross-promote and collaborate on shared social and spatial justice programming, trainings, and workshops.
GET INVOLVED WITH US!
We would love to hear your feedback or interest in joining UVASAH. The group is open to all students enrolled at the University of Virginia and members from the Charlottesville community that are interested in the broad-reaching implications of the history of architecture.
Please email UVASAH1826@gmail.com with any questions, comments, feedback, or inquiries on upcoming events, initiatives, and future involvement.
As StudCo, we aim to better the lives of the students at the School of Architecture by advocating and voicing the needs of the students to the necessary constituencies.
Annual events that we organize include student Town Halls, Professor Portfolio Showcases, a fall Semi-Formal, and the spring Beaux Arts Ball.
How to get involved —
A-School StudCo consists of members from every class and major at the School of Architecture. These individuals are elected representatives voted on by the School of Architecture student body, with elections happening at the end of each school year. If you are interested in nominating yourself or a peer as an elected member, contact us (see details below).
Contact us —
Find us on Instagram —
Whether you support the school through the unrestricted A-School Annual Fund or through restricted and endowment giving, there are many ways to give.
We are grateful for your support!
BY MAIL
To make a gift via check to the UVA School of Architecture:
- Print and complete this form.
Select “School of Architecture” under the “Schools” section. - Mail your check and completed form to:
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 37963
Boone, Iowa 50037
BY PHONE
To make a gift over the phone to the UVA School of Architecture, please call Woody Wingfield, Director of Development and Executive Director of the UVA School of Architecture Foundation at 434-924-0266
BY WIRE TRANSFER
Please instruct your bank to direct wire transfers using the following information:
Bank of America
Credit to: University of Virginia - Advancement Operations Account
ABA#: 026009593 (Wire)
ABA#: 051000017 (ACH/EFT)
Account #: 435029074310
University of Virginia - Advancement Operations Account*
1001 Emmet St. N
Charlottesville, VA 22903-4833
*Please do not send mail items to this address.
Questions?
Please contact Woody Wingfield, Director of Development and Executive Director of the UVA School of Architecture Foundation at:
434-924-0266
sww2j@virginia.edu
Gifts of stocks, bonds and mutual funds are coordinated by University Advancement Services. The University will direct proceeds from the sale of these assets to any school or program you wish.
To save time and ensure a smooth transfer, please contact Woody Wingfield, Director of Development and Executive Director of the UVA School of Architecture Foundation at 434-924-0266 or sww2j@virginia.edu to start the process.
You can join the growing number of alumni and friends who invest now in the University’s future by including UVA as a beneficiary of their wills, charitable trusts, and retirement plans. You can also make a gift now and receive income for the rest of your life. Gifts like these can offer you and your family significant tax benefits as well as greater financial flexibility in meeting your personal and philanthropic goals.
Planned gifts may be of three types:
- Plans from your estate
Bequests are gifts you establish through your estate plans.
- Plans that pay you an income
You make a gift to the University and receive income for your life or for the lives of the beneficiaries you choose.
- Plans that help the University now and your family later
The University uses the income from your gift for a specified period of time and then returns the remainder to you or your heirs.
It’s never too early to start planning for the future. We’ll help you navigate a long-term gift plan that benefits the UVA School of Architecture and that meets your current financial, personal, and philanthropic goals.
To learn more about how to make a planned gift to the School of Architecture, contact Woody Wingfield, Director of Development and Executive Director of the UVA School of Architecture Foundation at:
434-924-0266
sww2j@virginia.edu
Real estate can be contributed as an outright gift or to finance a planned gift, such as a charitable trust. Available options include a retained life estate, which allows the donor to continue to use the property for a certain number of years or for the donor’s lifetime. Other arrangements offer special tax advantages and lifetime income.
Gifts of real estate, such as undeveloped land, a residence, a vacation home, a farm, or commercial property, should be arranged through the Office of Gift Planning and made through the University Real Estate Foundation. The University requires the donor to bear certain costs when making a real estate gift, such as an appraisal to determine the fair market value. Also, the University deducts transaction costs from the proceeds of the sale of the property, including the closing costs, title insurance, a survey (if needed), and any taxes due before the gift is completed.
To learn more about how to make a gift of real estate to the School of Architecture, contact Woody Wingfield, Director of Development and Executive Director of the UVA School of Architecture Foundation at:
434-924-0266
sww2j@virginia.edu
Through active participation in student organizations at the A-School and across Grounds, our students lead positive change toward creating more just, sustainable, and healthy futures.
Student organizations are a vital part of the School of Architecture community, and our student leaders help foster the school’s commitment to shared governance. The Council of Presidents, a group of student leaders, oversees these organizations and:
- Foster collaboration and communication among the student organizations within the School of Architecture (A-School).
- Facilitate a unified student voice on matters affecting the student body and the School of Architecture.
- Ensure the smooth operation and support of student organizations within the School of Architecture.
Contact Associate Dean of Student Affairs Cindy Kiefer with questions about A-School student organizations.
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE STUDENT COUNCIL (A-SCHOOL STUDCO)
The School of Architecture Student Council's (A-School StudCo) goal is to be the bridge between students, staff, faculty, and administration, and they are committed to voicing the concerns and issues of students to create a better Architecture School for all.
Contact: aschoolstudco@gmail.com
The following Contracted Independent Organizations (CIOs)* are student organizations who are members of the School of Architecture’s Council of Presidents.
*Non-Affiliation Statement: Although these organizations have members who are UVA students and may have University employees associated or engaged in their activities and affairs, the organizations are not a part of or an agency of the University. They are separate and independent organizations that are responsible for and manage their own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise, or control the organizations and is not responsible for the organizations’ contracts, acts, or omissions.
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS - UVA CHAPTER (AIAS)
AIAS is a national student-run organization that diversifies architectural education. The UVA chapter provides professional, service, social, leadership, and travel opportunities. The group's mission is to provide a more sustainable, healthy, and equitable future through the empowerment of student voices, ideas, and actions.
Contact: uva@aias.org
CE+ (PHD STUDENT ORGANIZATION)
CE+ represents all students and candidates in the Doctoral Program in the Constructed Environment at the University of Virginia School of Architecture. The group's mission is to represent the program’s students and candidates, advocating for their well-being and needs and serving as the group’s official voice within the University. CE+ encourages civil dialogue and stimulates interdisciplinary research and collaboration across all cohorts.
Contact: uva.cephd@gmail.com
MANIFESTA: EQUITY IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AT UVA SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
manifestA is a collectively-led organization, facilitated by students, that aims to foster meaningful conversations and educational programming in order to strengthen the A-School community's ability to address issues of justice and equity in academic, professional, and community work.
Contact: manifestauva@gmail.com
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF MINORITY ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS - UVA CHAPTER (NOMAS)
NOMAS seeks to foster communication, cooperation, solidarity, and fellowship among minority students of architecture. Historically, "minority" status has included but has not been limited to persons of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups as well as women and LGBTQ+ students. Whereas the activities are geared towards these minority groups, NOMAS at UVA is non-discriminatory and openly welcomes and encourages students of any background to join.
Contact: nomas-uva@virginia.edu
SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIANS (UVASAH)
UVASAH, the oldest student-run chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians, connects students and faculty in UVA's Department of Architectural History through lectures, site visits, community engagement, and social events. The organization fosters leadership and dialogue around historic architecture, the built environment, and cultural landscapes.
Contact: UVASAH1826@gmail.com
STUDENT ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATE ARCHITECTS (SAGA)
The Student Association of Graduate Architects (SAGA) at the University of Virginia is dedicated to representing and supporting graduate architecture students within the School of Architecture. The group's mission is to foster a vibrant, inclusive community, empowering members through professional development, collaboration and advocacy, while promoting architectural excellence, social responsibility, and the exchange of critical information.
Contact: saga@virginia.edu
STUDENT ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN (SALAD)
The Student Association of Landscape Architects highlights roles that landscape architects have in stewarding and designing for ecological systems across multiple scales. SALAD seeks to strengthen connections between design disciplines and to our community at large. To achieve these aims, SALAD brings lecturers, organizes career and social events, and coordinates volunteer opportunities for Landscape Architecture students throughout the year. In addition to bringing outside resources into the school, SALAD sponsors open studios with local partners, internship and portfolio discussions, and other activities to promote interaction and learning.
To contact use SALAD's Hoos Involved Contact Form.
STUDENT PLANNERS ASSOCIATION (SPA)
The Student Planners Association (SPA) promotes the general understanding of urban planning practice at UVA and the School of Architecture and supports the professional and academic development of its members. SPA is a Planning Student Organization (PSO) as defined by the American Planning Association (APA).
Contact: spa-executives@virginia.edu
Virginia Society of Architecture and Planning (VSAP)
The Virginia Society of Architecture and Planning (VSAP) is a student-led academic society at UVA that fosters connections across all years and design disciplines through philanthropic, educational, and social programs grounded in its pillars of philanthropy, professional development, and relationship‑building. Welcoming graduate and undergraduate students of all backgrounds, VSAP offers a wide range of events to support leadership growth, community engagement, and professional development.
Contact: vsap.uva@gmail.com
UVA HONOR COMMITTEE
The Committee is comprised of students from each school within the University and is responsible for conducting honor trials, investigations, and educational sessions. The School of Architecture Student Council selects two student representatives to serve.
School of Architecture Representative: Liz Handte, BUEP '26
School of Architecture Representative: Sajani Silla, BS Arch '27
UVA JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
The University Judiciary Committee is the student-run judiciary body of the University of Virginia and is authorized to investigate and adjudicate alleged violations of the University's Standards of Conduct. The School of Architecture Student Council selects two student representatives to serve.
School of Architecture Representative: Ambreen Gandhi, BS Arch ‘28
School of Architecture Representative: Rachel Borowsky, BS Arch ‘27
UVA STUDENT COUNCIL
The student governing body of the University of Virginia. Elections are run by the Student Council and occur at the beginning of November. The School of Architecture Student Council selects one student representative to serve.
School of Architecture Representative: Philippe Hempel, BS Arch ‘27
LUNCH
Lunch is the design research journal of the UVA School of Architecture. Each issue is developed by an editorial team of A-School students.
Contact: info@lunch-journal.com
UVA SAWMILLING
UVA Sawmilling seeks to redirect the current material pathway for downed trees on University of Virginia Grounds. There are many beautiful and memorialized trees, as well as unique species, that come down every year and will live on if turned into lumber. Rather than dumping these logs at nearby log yards, leaving them for contract arborists to deal with, or chipping them, UVA Sawmilling proposes that potentially valuable logs be milled and made available to interested parties at the University.
Contact: uvasawmilling@gmail.com
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 2026
Given annually to alumni of the University of Virginia School of Architecture from any of the four departments in recognition of outstanding achievement, the Distinguished Alumni award recognizes graduates who have demonstrated creativity, innovation, leadership, and vision through their contributions to professional, societal, academic, artistic, or other areas that the awards committee feels are appropriate for recognition, including service to the University of Virginia. These areas may be local, national, or international. Achievements and impact need not span a long career but should demonstrate the potential to have a lasting effect on the broader community.
ALL LETTERS OF NOMINATION AND NOMINATION FORMS FOR 2026 ARE DUE BY:
FEBRUARY 20, 2026
Details regarding the nomination process can be found below.
To nominate a UVA School of Architecture alumna/alumnus for this award:
Please submit the following three documents via email (preferably as a PDF) to kimwong@virginia.edu. Portfolios and/or other supportive material shall NOT be submitted with the nomination. It is at the sponsor’s/nominator’s discretion whether to keep the nomination confidential from the nominee.
1. NOMINATION LETTER
This letter shall identify the nominee’s noteworthy accomplishments, with special emphasis on the influence the nominee has had on their chosen field and sphere of influence.
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The letter shall be no more than two pages in length, in at least 10–point, single–spaced type.
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The letter should be addressed to: The Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board, Morgan C.B. Miles (BSArch '06).
2. CV, RESUME OR SHORT BIO OF NOMINEE
3. NOMINATION FORM
Information for the Dean’s Advisory Board to research nominee further; including, but not limited to, links to relevant websites, contact information for additional referees, etc.
DUE BY FEBRUARY 20, 2026
After an initial review by the Dean’s Advisory Board of all nominees, a shortlist of finalists will be selected and kept confidential. The Board’s Distinguished Alumni Award committee, chaired by the Chair and consisting of one Board member representing each of the four disciplines of the School – architecture, landscape architecture, planning and architectural history for a maximum total of five (5) members, will research the finalist candidates – via websites, calling references, reviewing publications, etc. The sponsor/nominator should be prepared to be a resource. The Committee will produce finalist background materials to be distributed to the rest of the Dean’s Advisory Board two weeks prior to the annual Spring Meeting for review. After careful consideration, the awardee will be selected at the meeting and informed of his/her selection by the Chair.
The award will be presented at the annual A-School Dean’s Forum Dinner in Charlottesville (typically in the fall). Nominator and awardee (plus guest) will be invited as honored guests to the dinner, with the opportunity to invite additional friends, classmates, and family as paid guests. The award recipient may be invited, based on need, interest, and availability, to give a lecture/workshop, organize an exhibit, talk with students/faculty, etc. at the A-School during the year.
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Nominee/Awardee must be an alumnus/alumna of the University of Virginia School of Architecture — undergraduate or graduate programs. The nominator need not be an alumnus/alumna of the School.
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No self–nominations shall be permitted.
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No alumni who are current faculty members at the UVA School of Architecture shall be considered (former faculty members and faculty emeritus are permitted).
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The previous year’s finalists will automatically be included in the following year’s first-round candidate pool for consideration. A new nomination letter/form are not necessary unless new information is available in support of the nomination. After two consecutive years of being a finalist (and not receiving the award), the candidate will NOT be automatically resubmitted and a new nomination will be required for future consideration.
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The Dean’s Advisory Board is a volunteer board of the School of Architecture consisting of alumni, public members (non-alumni), and ex officio members. The Dean of the School of Architecture and other ex officio members may act as non-voting advisors. Should there be an even number of votes during the final selection, the Chair of the Advisory Board will break the tie.
The preferred method of submitting Nomination Materials is via email (preferably as a PDF) to kimwong@virginia.edu.
If you are unable to send your Nomination Materials by email, you may submit via mail to:
UVA SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
FOUNDATION ATTN: A-SCHOOL DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
CAMPBELL HALL, PO BOX 400122
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22904
QUESTIONS about the Nomination Process or submitting your Nomination Materials?
Contact Kim Haggart Wong at kimwong@virginia.edu.
2012
Warren T. Byrd, Jr.
(MLA ’78 and Professor Emeritus, Department of Landscape Architecture); Founding Principal, Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects
2013
W. Brown Morton, III
(BAH ’61); Professor Emeritus, University of Mary Washington, Department of Historic Preservation
2014
Marion Weiss
(BSArch ’79); Co-founder, WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism
2015
Jennifer Masengarb
(MAH ’00); Senior Project Manager at Danish Architecture Centre; (formerly) Director of Interpretation and Research, Chicago Architecture Foundation
2016
Kai-Uwe Bergmann
BSArch ’91); Partner, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)
2017
Adam Yarinksy
(BSArch ’84); Founding Partner, Architecture Research Office (ARO)
2018
Bill Hellmuth
(BSArch ’75); CEO and Chairman, HOK
2019
Reuben M. Rainey
(MLA '78); William Stone Weedon Professor Emeritus
2020
Mabel O. Wilson
(BSArch '85); Nancy and George E. Rupp Professor of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation and Professor of African American and African Diasporic Studies at Columbia University; Founder of transdisciplinary practice Studio&
2021
Travis C. McDonald
(MArH '80); Director of Architectural Restoration, Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
2022
Mary Hughes
(MLA '87); University Landscape Architect (1996 - 2022), University of Virginia
2023
Olle Lundberg
(MArch '79); Founding Principal, Lundberg Design
2024
Steven Bingler
(BArch '72); Founding Principal, Concordia
2025
Zena Howard
(BSArch '88); Principal, Perkins&Will
SHARE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
To receive information about the School of Architecture's news and events through our e-newsletter, share your most up-to-date contact information the UVA Alumni Association online form.
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
Our newsletter is typically released twice a month during the academic year. It's a great way to stay informed of our latest news and events. Sign up to receive our newsletter.
WAYS TO STAY INVOLVED
UVA School of Architecture is known for its exceptional alumni and we are always eager to find meaningful ways for you to stay involved in the life of the School. We hope you will consider volunteering to join us in one of the following ways.
HOST A REGIONAL EVENT
Work with the School of Architecture to host an event where you live – from a small dinner to a cocktail reception, to a panel discussion or site tour – for alumni to socialize, network, and learn. Events can also be coordinated with UVA’s Alumni Association and its larger network, especially through UVA Clubs.
The UVA Clubs Global Network are regional networks located in hub cities around the world made up of alumni, friends, and families interested in connecting with each other, their community, and the University of Virginia.
If you are interested in hosting an upcoming regional event, contact Director of Engagement and Alumni Initiatives, Kim Wong Haggart at kimwong@virginia.edu
VOLUNTEER WITH CAREER DEVELOPMENT
A-School alumni are a valuable resource to prospective and current students through:
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Mentorships
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Externships
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Internships
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Employment
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Professional Development Workshops
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Portfolio Reviews
If you are interested in supporting our students’ career development, contact Director of Career Development Lindsay Schiller at lms7yk@virginia.edu
PARTICIPATE IN STUDENT RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Help recruit the best students to the A-School by:
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Volunteering to meet prospective students
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Calling admitted students when they are making decisions about schools
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Promoting the A-School at your local high schools and professional networks
If you are interested in supporting our student recruitment, contact Director of Admission Holly Middaugh at hm5jd@virginia.edu.
BE A STUDENT MENTOR
The A-School Alumni Mentorship Program (AAMP) was launched in Spring 2020 and aims to help create personal and professional networks for current students and recent graduates of the School of Architecture. The AAMP is a SMALL GROUP/POD mentorship format. Two to three student mentees and 2-3 alumni mentors will be mixed and matched to create small groups of varied experience, interests, and locations. The group format will allow more voices to share and learn and encourage open conversation and listening.
Learn more about the A-School Alumni Mentorship Program and learn how to volunteer to be a mentor.
WHAT IS FOOD INSECURITY?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as not having enough food to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. College students may experience food insecurity for many, and often very complex reasons, and resulting in students choosing between spending money on food or bills/medicine/healthcare, eating fewer meals, or eating less expensive and less healthy processed foods.
HOW DOES FOOD INSECURITY AFFECT STUDENTS?
Rising inflation has increased the cost of common household goods, including food, requiring some students to choose between academic costs and basic human needs. These factors can make students with limited income more vulnerable to taking leaves of absence, withdrawing from the university, or taking on larger workloads to generate income to meet their basic needs. Students who delay or are unsuccessful in graduating forfeit (in both the short- and long-term) increased earnings potential that baccalaureate-prepared students often experience over employees without a baccalaureate degree. The same holds true for students seeking graduate degrees. As well, reduced earnings and high debt levels can have long-lasting effects on students’ ability to repay school loans and thereby limit their ability to contribute to the economic vitality of their communities. Students who remain enrolled yet take larger workloads to meet their basic needs are often disadvantaged in participating in extra-curricular and co-curricular experiences since a greater portion of their time is dedicated to paid employment. Furthermore, a lack of extra- and co-curricular experiences may not only reduce direct student engagement and affinity with the university but may also increase the likelihood that these students are underemployed upon graduation since they miss out on critical social and professional development experiences.
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THE A-SCHOOL FOOD PANTRY'S MISSION
We are committed to improving the student experience such that our students not just survive but thrive. In alignment with the A-School’s priority to make the school accessible and affordable, the A-School’s goals to increase student diversity and expand student resources, and UVA’s 2030 Strategic Plan to recruit and support students “regardless of their economic circumstances,” the A-School offers a satellite food pantry in Campbell Hall to support students who experience food insecurity.
VISIT THE PANTRY
LOCATION
The A-School Food Pantry is located on the first floor of Campbell Hall between rooms 153 and 158.
HOURS
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
During the academic year
All other times by appointment. Contact sarc-studentaffairs@virginia.edu to schedule a time during business hours to visit the food pantry.
WHAT WE OFFER
We stock healthy shelf-stable food that can be prepared at home such as canned fruit and vegetables, beans, rice, pasta and pasta sauces, peanut butter, oatmeal, soup, milk, and canned tuna/chicken.
A UNIVERSITY-WIDE NETWORK
The A-School Food Pantry is an official partner within the UVA Satellite Pantry Network. Although it primarily serves students in the School of Architecture, the A-School Food Pantry is open to any student on Grounds who is experiencing food insecurity.
OTHER RESOURCES
UVA Student Affairs provides a comprehensive and updated list of resources on- and off-Grounds for students who are experiencing food insecurity.
Contact Carolyn Buchanan (cbuchanan@virginia.edu) to learn about what other sources of financial support may be available to you.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
DONATE
Financial contributions make a meaningful difference by helping us keep a variety of healthy food options available for students experiencing food insecurity. If you'd like to support the A-School Food Pantry, you can make a secure donation using this form. Under "Designation," please select Architecture Food Pantry.
FOOD DRIVES
Student organizations, alumni, and any A-School community group may host food drives to support the A-School Food Pantry. Please contact sarc-studentaffairs@virginia.edu before holding your food drive to coordinate logistics with the School of Architecture.
CONTACT
The A-School Food Pantry is operated through the UVA School of Architecture Student Affairs Team. Email sarc-studentaffairs@virginia.edu for assistance.
OVERVIEW
The UVA School of Architecture and the A-School Young Alumni Council (AYAC) understand that creating a personal and professional network is an important part of the student experience and post-graduation life. The people we meet and the connections that are made –planned or impromptu –impact our lives in ways we cannot foresee now. The A-School Alumni Mentorship Program aims to open opportunities and build a trusted community for our students, first and foremost. Our A-School alumni community is a valuable resource of experience, advice and support. Many conversations may focus on career development and professional guidance but the program aims to foster relationships that can grow beyond reviewing portfolios and resumes (although that is a great activity to do!)
We launched the A-School Alumni Mentorship Program at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020 to much success. Based on regular feedback, the mentorship program continues to evolve to better meet the needs of our mentors and mentees.
UVA A-SCHOOL ALUMNI MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Format:
The AAMP is a SMALL GROUP/POD mentorship format. Two to three student mentees and 2-3 alumni mentors will be mixed and matched to create small groups of varied experience, interests, and locations. The group format will allow more voices to share and learn and encourage open conversation and listening. Over time, as relationships form – the group format can evolve to meet the needs of the individuals, with more one-on-one outreach or even Campbell Hall meet ups for the students. With everyone’s busy schedules, not every meeting needs to have all participants, hopefully alleviating some of the time pressure of the one-on-one mentorship format. This is an opportunity for everyone in the small group to learn from one another and share ideas.
In addition:
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All student mentees will OPT-IN to be an active participant for the year.
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All alumni mentors will SIGN-UP to be an active participant for the year (if you participated in past years you will need to sign up again to renew your interest and information).
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All students are encouraged to sign up, although students closer to graduation will have priority in the match process.
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The program will officially span the academic year (October through May), with about 5 recommended times to reach out to your small group (around key career development or academic markers). The mentorship relationships are determined by the mentors and mentees –you can talk more or less depending on the needs and availability.
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There will be a "pod coordinator" for each group (alumni, please volunteer to be one in the sign-up) to help initiate the first outreach, facilitate regular meeting times and be a point person for your group with the School/AYAC.
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We are committed to support all BIPOC and NOMAS (National Organization of Minority Architecture Students) members who opt-into the program and provide the opportunity to be paired with a BIPOC (black, indigenous, or people of color) or LATINX alumni mentor, if preferred.
HOW TO SIGN UP AS A MENTOR OR MENTEE (2025-2026)
I AM A STUDENT:
https://forms.office.com/r/mxbTpD4eiN
I AM AN ALUMNUS/ALUMNA:
https://forms.office.com/r/aUmB7LYNG2
DETAILS ON THE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ARE SHARED BELOW —
Mentorship is important for everyone – alumni and students! Thank you for giving back your time in a most meaningful way.
“One of my mentees is starting a job at my firm (although another office). I also found out that a former colleague is now working for one of the other mentors' firm.”
“Through my mentors, I made a connection that resulted in greater advocacy for me as a job candidate at my new firm! ”
“All of our meetings were great, I really loved having multiple mentors so we could fill in the gaps together. We did an impromptu portfolio review that was really insightful.”
“I enjoyed the multi-age mentor interactions the best. There are not many other avenues for meeting alumni at this stage of school.”
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM TIMELINE
August - September
Deadline for A-School students and alumni mentors to sign up
October 1
Matches! Introductory emails to small groups
First Friday of October (noon)
A-School Alumni Mentorship Program ZOOM kick-off and information sessions for mentors and mentees
End of November
Resume/Portfolio Review recommendations (Happy Thanksgiving!)
Early December
Final Reviews/Exams check-in (Send a message of good luck)
First two weeks of January
Shadow day, in-person meeting, or outreach during Externship Week
Early March
Career Development/Advice check-in before Spring Break
Late April
Final Reviews/Exams check-in (Send a message of good luck)
Before May 20
Congratulations for end of year/Graduation
+ How will I be matched?
In October and again in January, a great team of A-School Young Alumni Council and Dean’s Advisory Board members will review the questionnaires and pair each student with an alumni mentor, based on mutual preferences and interests. The more we know about you - the easier it is to match you! Matches may not be perfect, but give your mentor/mentee some time to get to know them – their experience and advice go beyond what their job is right now.
+ I am an alum and I didn’t get a student mentee – why not?
We have far more alumni than students signed up requesting a mentor (that’s a good thing!). A larger alumni mentor pool allows us the flexibility of making more personalized matches, based on the student’s interests and preferences. Have no worries if you are not matched immediately, student registration for the program is ongoing, so you may be matched in January or anytime throughout the year.
+ I am an alum, what are the expectations and time commitment for this mentorship program?
As we all know, matches are based on limited information and are not perfect. This program is a mentorship, not an apprenticeship – so you are a professional point of contact to discuss career paths, life lessons, words of encouragement, and to simply be some support and a friendly voice during this uncertain time. No one is expected to have the answers on what is going to happen next, or to offer a job. We want to show our students that their A-School alumni community is large and supportive, as well as how important it is to make connections now that may impact their lives years down the road.
This program spans the whole academic year. After you are connected with your mentee, please be the first to respond and reach out by email or text. Introduce yourself with a short bio and set up a time to talk further to get to know one another. All of these students have opted-into this program, so they should be responsive, but please don’t hesitate to be persistent! Offer to review their resume or portfolios, introduce them to other friends to talk to – be creative in your outreach but the School will also provide some recommendations throughout the year for regular contact.
Keep in mind that it is up to you and your mentee(s) to communicate more or less than the suggested outreach and the prompts the program provides. Keep lines of communication open, share good articles you read or lectures you heard, check-in whenever you can to build a stronger relationship!
+ I am a student, what are the expectations and time commitment for me in this mentorship program?
Matches are based on limited information and are not perfect. Your mentor is an initial professional contact to ask questions, review resumes/portfolios, talk about the scope of opportunities, share networks and stories. The mentorship program is NOT about job placement. Even if your mentor does not work at an office or a sector that you are interested in – remember that you are not interviewing for a job – you are connecting with a person for life experience, advice and the many possibilities after graduation.
After you are connected with your mentee, please be quick to respond and introduce yourself. Your mentor should try to set up a time to talk further to get to know one another. The program will provide some recommendations throughout the year for outreach but feel free to contact your mentor whenever you want more or less, in between these time – if you need a quick desk crit, or want a recommendation for a book to read, or before you apply to an internship. Be creative with your outreach and don’t be afraid to reach out and ask any questions!
It is up to you (and your alumni mentor) to make the most of this relationship but know that the alumni want to talk and want to help as best that they can. So take full advantage of their outreach – you never know what will come of it now or years down the road when you least expect it.
+ I am not connecting with my pod or life is getting too busy to participate in the program any longer – what should I do?
We understand! It is fine to pull out of the mentorship program, but we just ask that you communicate your plans so we can plan accordingly. We have had issues in past years with mentors or mentees deciding to not participate in the program anymore for any number of reasons, and simply ignoring emails or outreach from pod members or the School.
If you are not connecting with your pod members please reach out to Kim Wong Haggart, kimwong@virginia.edu. She can help put you in a different pod, if you wish to continue with mentorship and/or help alert the other members of your pod and slot in a new member.
If you are too busy or unable to continue with the program – we get it. Please let kimwong@virginia.edu know or send a quick email to your pod, letting them know that some unexpected deadlines or life circumstances came up. Everyone will understand. We want to be respectful of your time and the time of your pod members – making sure everyone gets the most out of this experience.
+ We have unresponsive or inactive members in our pod – what should we do?
Email Kim Wong Haggart at kimwong@virginia.edu with the name(s) of the inactive members and we will try to reach out to the alumni/student to see what is going on and regauge interest in participating. Kim and the AYAC can then add a new member, if needed (and if available). Don’t be afraid to speak up – it only helps us improve the integrity of the program!
For more advice and resources, view additional information in the sections below on this webpage.
HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR MENTOR/MENTEE —
“40 Questions to ask a Mentor"
ADDITIONAL MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES —
UVA Career Center - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resources
The following resources are available to students. For mentors, please direct your mentees here:
For Curricular Questions or Concerns: Students should contact the Office of Academic Support
For Career Services + Development: Students should contact the Office of Career Development
Mental Health + Wellbeing Support Resources
As a mentor, you are not expected to handle anything you are not comfortable with. When in doubt, contact Kim Wong Haggart, Director of Engagement and Alumni Initiatives (kimwong@virginia.edu / 434.982.2761).