This position is open to Federal Work Study students. The Art Room is a wellness-focused creative space within Student Health and Wellness that uses art-making as a tool for well-being, stress reduction, and connection. The space is informed by principles of the open studio, art hive, public health, and prevention - which emphasize creative expression, personal choice, community, and the belief that engagement in the creative process can support health and wellness. The Art Room provides non-clinical opportunities for students to explore creativity, build community, and engage in self-expression. The Art Room Creative Wellness Facilitators serve as a welcoming presence in the space, helping students engage in creative wellness activities while increasing awareness and accessibility of Student Health and Wellness resources.
This Federal Work Study internship provides hands-on experience in wellness programming, community engagement, creative facilitation, and program development. The selected students will meet weekly with the Art Room Coordinator to establish individualized learning goals and develop career readiness skills aligned with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies, including communication, leadership, critical thinking, professionalism, teamwork, and equity and inclusion.
This position is ideal for students interested in the arts, public health, wellness promotion, mental health, education, social work, counseling, or other helping professions.
Learning Opportunities
Through this internship, students will:
- Gain experience supporting a wellness-oriented art intervention program.
- Learn about the role of creative expression in promoting well-being.
- Develop leadership skills in program planning, facilitation, outreach, and community engagement.
- Explore public health and prevention approaches to mental health promotion and community building.
- Learn skills and knowledge about fostering an environment of curiosity and connection – including open ended question techniques and connecting with participants regarding the creative process rather than product.
- Learn skills in resource navigation and making supportive referrals.
- Understand the distinction between wellness support and clinical care.
- Engage in ongoing professional development and goal-setting through weekly supervision.
Primary Responsibilities
The student intern will receive training and ongoing supervision from Student Health and Wellness staff. Responsibilities include:
- Support an open studio environment that encourages creativity, self-expression, and student engagement.
- Create art and craft prototypes for scheduled programs and events.
- Support drop-in art-making hours and special events.
- Serve as a welcoming resource for students utilizing the Art Room.
- Help foster an inclusive, accessible, and supportive creative environment.
- Assist with maintaining supplies, materials, and organization of the space.
- Design and lead workshops, classes, and creative wellness activities.
- Assist with the development and facilitation of Art Room programming.
- Conduct research related to art, creativity, wellness, and prevention initiatives.
- Support outreach and promotion of Art Room activities.
Wellness Promotion and Resource Connection
The Art Room is a wellness-enhancing space and is not a clinical service. Student interns do not provide counseling, crisis intervention, mental health assessment, or art therapy.
As part of their training, interns will learn about Student Health and Wellness services and on-Grounds resources. A core responsibility of this role is helping students navigate and access appropriate supports when needed. Interns serve as knowledgeable points of connection and will be trained to recognize when referral to professional staff is appropriate and how to follow established protocols when a student may be experiencing distress.
Work Schedule
Primary shifts occur Monday through Friday between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Applicants must be available during these hours.
Each student will be expected to work 4-10 hours weekly.
Certain shifts will start earlier, as early as 2:00 or 3:00. Additional shifts may be available throughout the semester outside of these hours. These opportunities are optional and may include coverage for staff absences, special events, or outreach activities. Students are not expected to be available for these additional shifts.
Please include a cover letter describing your availability, interest in the position, and any relevant experience. Submissions that do not include availability will not be considered.
Work Environment Expectations
This position is designed to support active engagement within the Art Room environment. During assigned shifts, students are expected to be actively involved in programming, project preparation, participant support, research, or space maintenance.
Because the Art Room emphasizes creativity, mindfulness, and interpersonal connection, this is primarily an analog engagement position. Students should expect to spend the majority of their shift away from a computer and actively engaged in the physical space and creative process.
The hourly rate for this position is $15.00.
To Apply
Please submit:
- Academic year availability
- Relevant experience related to art, wellness, community engagement, or student support
We encourage applications from students who are passionate about creativity, wellness, community building, and supporting the well-being of fellow UVA students.
In addition to the job duties and responsibilities outlined above, this position will participate in a structured internship experience through the Internship Placement Program (IPP). If selected, interns must enroll in either UNST 3910 (1 cr.) or UNST 3920 (1 cr.). The courses are offered 9+ times during the fall, offering plenty of options to choose from. If the course does not work for your schedule, we also offer an asynchronous co-curricular workshop series through Canvas. Through this robust internship experience, students will receive dedicated career support from their supervisor and gain key skills and competencies that align with future job interests. The FWS Internship will look great on your resume and provide the student with impactful stories to share in interviews. TFWS Internships are best suited for students in their 2nd – 4th years.
Minimum Requirements
Education:
- Current UVA student eligible for Federal Work Study employment.
- Interest in arts, wellness, public health, mental health, education, student affairs, or related fields.
- Arts, design, media, or creative experience preferred.
Experience:
- Responsible, dependable, organized, and self-motivated.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Comfortable engaging with diverse student populations.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Licensure: None
Physical Demands
- Ability to carry loads up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to stand for extended periods.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
