Residence Hall Counselor Application (.PDF file; enter responses into fields and print out application)

Residence Hall Counselor Application (Word file; print, fill out, and mail to Governor's School)

The Governor’s School of South Carolina is a summer residential honors program for gifted and talented rising high school seniors. The four-week program is intended to provide 200 outstanding South Carolina high school students with a college-level learning experience. The Governor’s School has three major components: (1) intensive study of one of several subject concentrations; (2) global issues classes which focus on contemporary political, social, and ethical issues; and (3) enrichment activities which include educational, cultural, creative, recreational, and athletic opportunities.

There are openings for 12 people to serve as Residence Hall Counselors for the 2008 program.

Counselors should be mature individuals with excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated aptitude for supervising and working with students. Candidates must have earned at least a Bachelor’s degree by June 2008. Preference will be given to those applicants with experience in honors programs and working with high school students.

Counselors are expected to serve for the entire duration of Governor’s School, plus an additional one week orientation period before the Governor’s School begins. The period of employment is June 1 – July 7, 2008. In addition to full room and board for the duration of their employment, counselors will receive a stipend of $2,200 and will be accorded all faculty and staff privileges.

Completed applications should be accompanied by transcripts of all college work and a resume of your relevant work experience (include job title, dates of employment, name and location of your employer, and a brief description of duties). In addition, include two recommendation forms from teachers or associates who have substantial knowledge of the applicant’s academic ability, ability to work with gifted students, and/or relevant work experience. These forms should address the suitability of the applicant to work in a residence life position with a gifted student population. Particular interest will be paid to comments on any experience the individual has working in a residence life position or in a supervisory capacity with special programs such as camps or other educational/recreational programs. Recommendation forms may be submitted separately.

The Governor’s School experience is tremendously rewarding, yet it is equally intense. Counselors are effectively “on call” twenty-four hours a day throughout the period of the program and are expected to participate in the program beyond their residence hall duties and committee assignments. Accordingly, candidates for these counselor positions should be prepared to make this commitment of time and energy prior to applying.

APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO:
FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2008
(All applications must be received in the Governor's School office by January 25, 2008)

APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY: January 18, 2008

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Counselors are responsible for supervising the residential life of the Governor’s Scholars and performing specific administrative assignments (see listing for the descriptions of administrative assignments).

During the day, counselors will take care of administrative duties and supervise field trips. Counselors are also strongly encouraged to attend classes with the Governor’s Scholars whenever possible. In the evenings, counselors attend cultural enrichment programs, coordinate their own programs, and supervise the students in the residence halls.

Counselors will reside in the residence halls and will be on call 24 hours per day with the exception of two nights off each week.

COUNSELOR COMMITTEES

Two to four counselors will be assigned to each administrative assignment.

Publicity
The Publicity Committee is responsible for “getting the word out” about events at the Governor’s School. You must produce a weekly newsletter and publicize mandatory events. Experience using desktop publishing software is a plus. This committee is also responsible for recording the Governor’s School experience, using both photography and video. Previous productions have also included blogs, movies, and slideshows. This effort culminates in the production of a yearbook for every student.

Social
The Social Committee is responsible for creating, planning, and carrying out extracurricular activities such as themed dances, a program-wide talent show, and an auction. This committee oversees a large number of activities and works closely with fellow counselors.

Sports
The Sports Committee oversees all athletic activities taking place during Governor’s School and raises awareness about physical fitness and nutrition. Responsibilities include organizing and supervising daily activities (both at the College gymnasium and outdoors), designing weekly programs to educate students on healthy lifestyle choices, as well as coordinating an annual road race.

Community Enrichment
The Community Enrichment Committee is responsible for broadening students’ awareness of the world around them. This often takes the form of volunteer activities but can also include encouraging awareness of various communities, including the city of Charleston, the state of South Carolina, art communities, the college community, etc. This committee works closely with local organizations to plan and execute various volunteer activities.