Kickstart Your UVA Journey!

Your UVA Journey Starts Here

Join a welcoming, practical program for early-career professionals and new UVA employees to build community, gain workplace readiness, and understand UVA-specific benefits.

  • 6-month program
  • Monthly 60-minute hybrid sessions
  • Optional additional social activities
  • To register or ask questions, please contact Beth Frackleton, UVA Occupational Health

Early Career Professionals @UVA

Sign Up Today to:

  • Build friendships and professional networks
  • Learn about UVA benefits: health, retirement, perks
  • Strengthen workplace essentials and professional confidence
  • Enjoy optional social activities to help you set down roots in Charlottesville

About the Program

Early Career Professionals @UVA is designed to empower staff and early-career professionals with essential life and workplace skills. Over six months, you'll blend personal development, professional readiness, and practical knowledge of UVA-specific benefits – so you can thrive at work and in Charlottesville.

What You'll Gain

For Participants

  • Know where to find resources and how to get started
  • Confidently transition into your role with professionalism
  • Learn important things like benefits and self-care
  • Feel more connected to peers at UVA—address loneliness

For Managers

  • Better retention and happier, more connected staff
  • More effective workers with solid workplace readiness skills
  • Improved workplace integration and professional foundations
  • Thriving employees with the essentials needed to succeed

Program Details

  • Format: Monthly 60-minute session with optional social gathering after hours
  • Structure: Lecture + Interactive Workshop + Takeaway Tools
  • Audience: New to Charlottesville or UVA; new graduates on their own for the first time; may be looking to build friendships
  • Meet When: Late afternoon (4–6 pm), hybrid; plus one social activity (optional for presenters)

Monthly Schedule

Month 1 (January 28, Wednesday, 4-5 p.m.): Social Connections & Community

  • In person (depending on sign-ups) — Facilitator: Lela Garner, UVA Young Professionals Network
  • Building friendships and professional networks
  • Navigating social life at UVA
  • UVA Employee Discount Program
  • Activity: Hike or happy hour (pay your own way) with activity

Month 2 (February 25, Wednesday, 4-5 p.m.): Professional Career Development

  • Facilitator: Liz Menter, UVA HR Career Navigation
  • Resume building, networking, and professional development
  • Career Navigation resources and tools
  • Education benefits: how to request and use the benefit
  • Introduction to Learning & Development programs at UVA

Month 3 (March 25, Wednesday, 4-5 p.m.): UVA Benefits Deep Dive & Finances & Retirement Planning

  • Facilitator: Erica Wheat, UVA HR Benefits and Leave
  • Health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, and retirement contributions
  • How to enroll and maximize benefits
  • Budgeting, credit, debt, and savings; UVA retirement plans & matching contributions
  • Activities: Benefits comparison & selection worksheet

Month 4 (April 28, Tuesday, 4:30-6:00 p.m.): Nutrition, Weekly Food Prep & Budgeting

  • Facilitator: Melanie Brede, UVA Teaching Kitchen
  • Balanced eating and physical activity basics
  • Meal planning, grocery shopping, and batch cooking
  • Cost-saving tips and UVA dining options
  • Activity: Prepare a meal with a budget

Month 5 (May 27, Wednesday, 4-5 p.m.): Knowledge Sharing: Learning & Professional Development at UVA

  • Facilitator: Liz Menter, UVA HR Career Navigation
  • Moderated online discussion on learnings from UVA HR Learning & Development offerings taken between February and May

Month 6 (June 24, Wednesday, 4-5 p.m.): Physical Health & Maintenance

  • Facilitators: Jackie LeBeau, UVA Rec, and Matt Fritts, UVA Hoos Well)
  • Fitness for busy schedules: movement with minimal time & equipment
  • Sleep hygiene & recovery: strategies for better rest
  • Activity: Create a weekly wellness tracker (hydration, movement, sleep, mood)

Curriculum at a Glance

  • Social Connections & Community: Build friendships & navigate UVA life
  • Professional Development: Resumes, LinkedIn, mentorship, education benefits
  • Benefits & Finances: Health plans, retirement, budgeting & savings
  • Nutrition & Budgeting: Meal planning, batch cooking, cost-saving tips
  • Workplace Culture: Communication & expectations
  • Physical Health: Preventive care, fitness, sleep hygiene

Sign-Up / Contact

Ready to Join?
Monthly sessions + optional social activities. Hybrid format. Perfect for new grads and early-career professionals setting down roots in Charlottesville.

Sign Up Now | Contact Us
Questions? We’re happy to help you get started and find the right resources.

Who should attend?

  • New to Charlottesville and UVA
  • New graduates on their own for the first time
  • Anyone looking to feel more connected and confident at work

Accessibility & Format

Hybrid monthly sessions with take-home tools and optional social activities. If you need accommodations, please contact Beth Frackleton.

For more courses offered by Beth Frackleton, please visit the Wellness Resources webpage.