What is Echols Council?

The University of Virginia prides itself upon the ideal of student self-governance; the Echols Scholars Council was founded upon this principle. Echols Council, the representative body of the Echols Scholars Program, works with the Director and Association Dean of the Echols Scholar Program to implement initiatives that enhance the Echols academic experience and community. Members of the Council are responsible for organizing social events, academic and career events, Days on the Lawn for prospective Echols Scholars, as well as coordinating closely with the Echols Program faculty directors.

Structure of the Council

The Echols Council is composed of the Executive Board, Junior Board, committee members, and Echols ambassadors. The Executive Board is the President, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Community Engagement, Treasurer, and Secretary. The Junior Board contains Committee Chairs and the First-Year Liaison. The committees are Academic and Professional Development, Social and Community Events, Mentoring, Fireside Chats, Public Relations, and Equity and Outreach. The Echols Ambassadors, led by the Head Ambassadors and Co-Chairs of Recruitment, are the public face of the Echols program to newly accepted scholars.

Get Involved

The Executive Board for the upcoming academic year is elected each spring. With the exception of the President, who must be an existing member of Echols Council, any Echols Scholar can run for a board position.

The Junior Board for the upcoming academic year is selected from applications each spring. Any Echols Scholar can apply to be a committee chair if the position is open that year. The Head Ambassador(s) and Chair(s) of Recruitment must have previously served as an ambassador. The First Year-Liaison is selected from applications each fall; any first year Echols Scholar can apply.

Committee members and ambassadors are selected from applications each fall. Any Echols Scholar is welcome to apply to join a committee or be an ambassador.