Commitments for PACERs may look different based on whether they are engaging in a PACE Day or PACE Short Tour. Time commitments are outlined below:

PACE Days are day long (5-6 hour) on-campus experiences that allow elementary and secondary students to explore their dreams, aspirations, and anticipated trajectories after high school graduation. PACE Days are comprehensive college access opportunities that are designed to provide an enriching experience for K-8 partners and local organizations committed to nurturing the aspirations of middle-school students. Each PACE day is comprised of a morning campus tour, lunch at the dining hall, and experiential activities across campus departments in the afternoon. PACE Days typically consist of 80-100 students visiting campus.

PACE Day Example: Caroline County Middle School Volunteer Guide

PACE Short tours - Short tours are usually 3-4 hour long campus experiences that allow students and chaperones to explore the University of Richmond through campus tours. Short tour experiences are facilitated by PACE Program Associates, plus PACERS, and are designed to meet the unique interest of the visiting partner. Short campus tours typically consist of 30 or less students visiting campus.

PACE Short Tour Example: An Achievable Dream Academy Volunteer Guide

We expect that all PACE Volunteers, regardless of PACE program-type, embody the following commitments when engaging with K-8 students through our initiatives:

The PACE Program uplifts the necessity and importance of programming that increases K-8 students’ awareness of higher education opportunities. The PACE Program focuses its programming heavily on empowering first-generation and/or low-income students who may experience barriers to attending post-secondary education after graduating from high school.

As a volunteer, you are representing the University of Richmond and Center for Civic Engagement. How you talk, act, and portray yourself during the tour will leave a lasting impression on K-8 students visiting University of Richmond’s campus. Please keep the following PACE expectations in mind as you engage with the PACE program:

• Be on time: volunteers need to report for their scheduled tour 20-30 minutes before their scheduled time slot.
• Be yourself, be energetic, and be enthusiastic!
• Share appropriate stories about your experiences at UR!
• If you ever encounter a question you do not know, be honest about it.
• If you visit a building where your major/minor is held, spend a little more time there to talk about your individual college experience.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes because there will be a lot of walking involved!
  • If you would like to wear a “SpidersEngage” branded tshirt - just drop by CCE on 2 and we can make sure you get one prior to the tour.