FAQs

Faculty

What is a typical day at the Governor’s Scholars Program?
At the Governor’s Scholars Program, there is no typical day. On most weekdays, scholars attend class in the mornings and the afternoons. Approximately two days a week, they also have an evening class. Outside of class time, the scholars attend a number of required events (convocations, the weekly Showcase talent show, and other “mandatory fun”) and participate in many optional activities (the Classic Film Series, ACT prep courses, and a wide array of clubs sponsored by faculty and/or staff). On the weekends, the scholars enjoy special themed activities such as the Game of Life, GSP Olympics, Diversity Day, International Day, Arts Day, and Explore Kentucky Day. At any time, a special GSP opportunity like a speaker, a performance, or a Community Field Trip may totally rearrange a day’s “schedule.” As a result, we at the Governor’s Scholars Program have come to regard the weekly calendar as more of a suggestion than a guideline. In this, as in all aspects of life during the Program, flexibility is essential.

What will my teaching responsibilities be?
Each faculty member is responsible for leading two classes (Focus Area and General Studies) and co-leading a third (Seminar). The Focus Area is a “major” area of study that explores a traditional subject (Math, Science, Creative Writing, Social Studies, etc.) in often non-traditional ways. Scholars select their Focus Areas. Exact schedules vary by campus, but each Focus Area meets about five times per week for a total of around eleven hours.

Each General Studies class, or “minor,” is an academic exploration of a non-traditional subject. Faculty members often choose the topics for their General Studies classes by considering what they, personally, would most love to learn more about. Classes range from the History & Art of Origami to the Philosophy of Games, complete with a scholar-designed Quidditch pitch. Community Service is often an important component of a General Studies class. Scholars are assigned to a General Studies with a topic dissimilar from that of their Focus Area. Each General Studies class meets about five times per week for a total of approximately eight hours.

Every faculty member co-leads a Seminar with a GSP Resident Advisor (usually a college student). During Seminar, the students from a General Studies class participate in a highly interactive, confidential discussion of their personal beliefs about and reactions to a wide range of issues. Seminar does not ask scholars to question their beliefs; rather, it challenges them to understand why they believe what they do and why others’ beliefs might differ from their own. Each seminar meets twice per week for approximately three hours total.

What resources are available to faculty members?
In addition to the astounding array of materials available in each GSP campus’s inventory (everything from fingernail polish to volleyball nets), faculty members have a reasonable allocation for purchasing instructional materials. These funds may be used to purchase books, art supplies, music and/or videos, etc., with the Campus Director’s prior approval. Upon request, the GSP office will photocopy texts or other materials as needed. On campus, faculty and scholars have access to the library, computer labs, science labs, art studios, and other facilities. Each faculty member has a locked classroom for his or her own exclusive use throughout the five weeks of the Program. Nevertheless, faculty members often find that their greatest resources lie outside of the classroom; to this end, each class enjoys field trip funding (please note that the feasibility of specific field trips varies by campus location).

Do I have to live on campus?
While the Program does not require its faculty members to live on campus, it does strongly encourage them to do so. At the conclusion of the Program each summer, scholars and faculty members alike identify community-building as the most powerful aspect of the GSP experience. Faculty members who do not live on the GSP campus cannot participate fully in the GSP Community and, as a result, they deprive both themselves and their scholars of the full impact of the Program. Furthermore, because classes, meetings, convocations, etc., in which faculty are expected to participate occur at all hours on both weekdays and weekends, faculty find the convenience of living on campus to be a true luxury. Every faculty member’s compensation package includes free room and board on the campus to which that faculty member is assigned. Faculty are welcome to bring their families with them to live on campus; GSP strives to provide accommodations that will house families comfortably. The Program is only able to cover the cost of the faculty member’s meals; however, the foodservice providers on all three GSP campuses furnish meal plans for family members at a reasonable cost. Kitchen facilities are also available for GSP staff use.

Can I request a campus?
Applicants may request to be assigned to a specific GSP campus; however, they should be aware that by doing so, they limit their chances of being hired. Not all focus areas are offered on all GSP campuses and the faculty positions available each year are both campus- and focus area-specific. As a result, if an applicant requests a certain campus and there are no faculty openings in his or her area(s) of interest on that campus, the Program will not be able to hire that individual, regardless of his/her qualifications. A qualified applicant who is flexible both in terms of campus placement and of subject matter (within reason) will enjoy the greatest likelihood of being hired.

Resident Advisors

What will my responsibilities be?
Each Resident Advisor is responsible for overseeing a hall of approximately 20 scholars. Daily responsibilities include serving as a role model and mentor, checking in students at curfew, enforcing all Program policies, conveying information between campus administration and students, mediating minor disputes, and engaging students in the GSP community. In addition, Resident Advisors are expected to assist with class and community field trips, to accompany residents in need of medical treatment, and to chaperone organized trips to religious services and grocery stores. RAs will also be asked to assist with the development and implementation of numerous community activities. With the exception of one 24-hour “day off” each week, Resident Advisors are considered “on call” at all times.

In addition to their residence life and community-building responsibilities, each R.A. is expected to co-lead a Seminar with a GSP faculty member. During Seminar, the students from a General Studies class participate in a highly interactive, confidential discussion of their personal beliefs about and reactions to a wide range of issues. Seminar does not ask scholars to question their beliefs; rather, it challenges them to understand why they believe what they do and why others’ beliefs might differ from their own. Each seminar meets twice per week for approximately three hours total.

Do I have to live on campus?
Yes. Because of their residential responsibilities, all R.A.s are expected to live on campus for the duration of their six-week commitment to the Governor’s Scholars Program. R.A.s may choose to spend the night off campus during their one 24-hour period off each week.

Every Resident Advisor’s compensation package includes free room and board on the campus to which that R.A. is assigned.

Can I request a campus?
Applicants may request to be assigned to a specific GSP campus; however, they should be aware that by doing so, they limit their chances of being hired. A well-qualified applicant who is flexible in terms of campus placement will enjoy the greatest likelihood of being hired.

Do you require an official transcript during the application process?
Yes. Before we can hire an R.A./office staff candidate, we do have to have a copy of his or her official transcript on file. If you prefer, you may choose to have your official transcript sent after you have completed the fall semester so that it will be as up-to-date as possible. If that is what you choose to do, please send an unofficial copy of your transcript with your application now AND include a brief note/cover letter explaining that your registrar will be sending your official transcript, including your fall semester grades, when it becomes available.

Must my letters of recommendation be mailed with the rest of my application?
No. You may mail your entire application—the form, your responses to the questions, your transcript, and your letters of recommendation—all in one envelope if you are able to do so. However, you may also send all of these documents separately. If you do choose to send them individually, please be sure that they all clearly include the applicant’s name so that we can file them properly upon receipt.

Office Staff

What will my responsibilities be?
Office staff members are responsible for providing administrative support to the GSP community and acting as liaisons between the host school and the program. Although this position varies by campus, it generally involves the following:

Assisting in setting up and dismantling the GSP administrative offices on assigned campus.
Assisting in making transportation and food arrangements for field trips and community outings and all campus activities and to assist in developing and implementing Scholar events.
Providing clerical and bookkeeping support and logging of office activities and documents.
Creating and distributing campus newsletters and informative fliers.
Assisting in preparations for Final Banquet.
Assisting faculty members and RAs in regard to acquiring materials needed for classes, Scholar events, and activities.
Acting as a professional and informative resource to Scholar parents inquiring about their scholars.

Do I have to live on campus?
All office staff members are strongly encouraged to live on campus. Exceptions will be made only in extenuating circumstances. Every office staff member’s compensation package includes free room and board on the campus to which that staff member is assigned.

Do you require an official transcript during the application process?
Yes. Before we can hire an office staff candidate, we do have to have a copy of his or her official transcript on file. If you prefer, you may choose to have your official transcript sent after you have completed the fall semester so that it will be as up-to-date as possible. If that is what you choose to do, please send an unofficial copy of your transcript with your application now AND include a brief note/cover letter explaining that your registrar will be sending your official transcript, including your fall semester grades, when it becomes available.