ASA: Academic Study Associates 2008 Programs

Safety. Supervision. Guidance. Support.

ASA’s residential staff structure is designed to provide a safe, supportive environment that addresses students’ social, emotional and academic needs. At ASA UC Berkeley, the senior staff is comprised of an experienced Program Director, Dean of Students, Academic Director, Programming Director and Administrator. All members of the senior staff live in residence with students and are available to assist with any issue that arises. Senior staff are experienced educators with collegiate or boarding school residence life experience and great familiarity with ASA.

In addition to the Senior staff team, a team of Resident Advisors (RAs) will provide direct supervision and support to students in the residence hall and during activities and excursions. RAs are college juniors, seniors or recent graduates. Each RA will support a group of ten students on his or her hall; RAs will orient students to their new home, help them with questions about the program and advise them as they adjust to living in a residential community.

All ASA staff undergo a rigorous selection process that includes an in person interview and an extensive background check. Additionally, all staff participate in a pre-program training on-site.

Although students are encouraged to become more independent over the summer, they learn, make friends and have fun through the support and guidance of a dedicated and caring staff.

Program Director - Willem Vroegh

Willem completed his BA at Miami University of Ohio before joining Teach for America for several years and then continuing on to complete his MEd at Smith College. Willem has taught for over 12 years in both the US and abroad. Most recently he has taken on administrative responsibilities and is the principal of an elementary school in San Francisco. ASA has been fortunate to count Willem as a member of staff for the past 14 summers.

Resident Advisors (RAs)

RAs are all rising college seniors or recent college graduates and are hired with the greatest care. One RA is responsible for a group of approximately 10 students, and lives on the same floor as these students. RAs fill the role of mentor, providing information about the program, the campus and the area so that you can make the most of your summer. RAs will provide a shoulder to lean on if you’re having difficulty and they’ll be there to cheer on your successes. From early morning to late in the evening, your RA will offer that extra bit of support intended to make certain that you feel comfortable and happy in your new environment.

Program Directors

Every program has a team of experienced directors who are responsible for the day to day management of life on the program. The team is comprised of a Director, an Academic Director, an Activities Director and a Director of Residence Life. ASA program directors have a tremendous knowledge of their area of expertise and years of experience with summer programs for students. All ASA residential staff participates in an extensive training session prior to the start of each summer program. Program directors are all first aid and CPR certified.