Overview
The Adventure WV First-Year Trips (AWV FYT) program is WVU’s Outdoor Orientation Program; working with over 1,000 incoming students each summer to run 5-6 day adventure-based trips along with other initiatives to support the first-year experience. The FYT Graduate Assistant (GA) assists in the management of various Adventure WV First-Year Trips initiatives; both throughout the academic year and during the summer trips season through training, programming, staff management and other logistical support.
Academic year projects may include academic course management and grading, coordination of short-term programs, data compilation and analysis, service project coordination, scheduling and reservations for programs, student staff recruitment, risk management system preparation, tracking of staff credentials and other areas of program support. Responsibilities during the summer programming season may include leading multi-day training trips for student leaders, serving as an on-site coordinator for select programs, supervising leaders working in the field, emergency response and logistics (food, equipment, transportation). In conjunction with FYT responsibilities, the GA may be asked to fulfill responsibilities associated with the Adventure WV program as needed, such as administrative support, challenge course support and expedition program leadership. Finally, the GA is part of the Adventure WV management team and is expected to attend and engage in periodic staff meetings and retreats, as their academic schedule allows.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree
Accepted and enrolled in a WVU graduate program (candidates may apply for the GA position pending acceptance at WVU)
Experience in outdoor and experiential education
Experience in outdoor trip leadership, group facilitation, risk management and staff supervision
Excellent communication skills
Current CPR and a Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder Certification
About West Virginia University
Adventure WV began as a small Outdoor Orientation Program for incoming WVU first-year students. We have since expanded our offerings to include an Outdoor Recreation Center, Climbing Wall, Outdoor Education Center, Challenge Course, Zip Canopy Tour, International Study Abroad Programs, Leadership Training opportunities, and many other Outdoor and Experiential Education programs.
Our initial vision to provide wilderness-based college orientation programs for first-year students has developed in to a more comprehensive charge of developing adventure education programming for students of all levels, supporting adjustment to college life, retention, and career success by assisting student development in self knowledge, team work, and leadership skills.
