Student Guide Program Spring 2024

More information about these positions will be forthcoming in late fall 2023

What do we do? Student Guides research, develop, and lead their own tours on special exhibitions and the permanent collections using inquiry-based touring strategies to facilitate visitor experiences with art. This semester, Student Guides in the first year of the program will also assist with both in-person and virtual public programs at the Davis and may have the opportunity to create pre-recorded videos.

Why do we do it? Students join the Student Guide program because they are enthusiastic about sharing art and the Davis with others. Participation in the Student Guide program has many other benefits, including:

• Behind-the-scenes experiences with Davis Museum curators and staff
• Excellent preparation for arts, museum, and education careers
• Training in object-based and informal learning
• Fun and interesting way to meet and collaborate with fellow students

How do we do it? Student Guides receive regular training on the collections, temporary exhibitions, museum education theory, and touring strategies from Davis Museum curators and staff.

Student Guides in the first year of the program will participate in both year-long basic training and ongoing special exhibitions training. At the end of the first semester, new Student Guides are required to research and present an object from the permanent collection to their peers. During the second semester, new Student Guides will shadow tours and training will culminate in the presentation of a 45-minute long practice tour to peers and museum staff.

Student Guides are paid for training, tour preparation, leading tours, and facilitating programs.

Student Guides will be paid for 1.5 hours of preparation time per tour to include both research and practice in the galleries. Student Guides will also be paid 1.5 hours to lead a tour.

When do we do it? New Student Guides participate in weekly training sessions during the academic year. Trained Student Guides participate in ongoing training sessions bi-weekly during the academic year. All trainings take place on Thursdays during Community Time from 1:15 pm-2:10 pm.

Trained Student Guides sign up to lead tours based on their availability; however, they must complete at least two tours per semester to remain in the program (with the exception of those studying abroad who have already completed their training).

Questions? Contact Alicia LaTores at alatores@wellesley.edu or call 781.283.3569