Employer NACE & On-Grounds Recruiting Guidelines
The University of Virginia Career Center is committed to fostering a recruiting environment built on professionalism, transparency, and mutual respect. To support these values, we align our recruiting practices with the principles of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the leading professional organization for college recruiting and career services. The following guidelines help establish shared expectations for employers and ensure a fair, ethical, and positive recruiting experience for all participants.
Non-Discriminatory Policy
The University of Virginia Career Center is committed to maintaining an equitable and professional recruiting environment for all students. Employers utilizing Career Center services are expected to:
- Comply with all applicable employment laws and regulations
- Provide equal opportunity and refrain from unlawful discrimination in hiring practices
- Adhere to University of Virginia Career Center recruiting policies and guidelines on this page
- Engage professionally and in good faith with students who participate in interviews, events, and other recruiting activities
Recruiting Event Coordination
The University of Virginia Career Center works with employers to create a coordinated and positive recruiting experience for students and employers alike. By partnering with the Career Center when planning recruiting activities, organizations can help avoid scheduling conflicts, ensure compliance with university policies, and maximize student engagement.
Employers are expected to:
- Coordinate on-Grounds recruiting activities, including information sessions, coffee chats, workshops, networking events, and interviews through the Career Center
- Work with the Career Center to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure recruiting activities comply with university policies and guidelines
- Communicate recruiting plans and timelines in a timely manner so students receive clear and consistent information
- Follow all Career Center recruiting policies, regardless of whether recruiting activities take place on Grounds, virtually, or at employer offices.
The University of Virginia Career Center encourages employers to provide flexibility when scheduling second-round interviews. Students often balance academic commitments, recruiting activities, and previously scheduled interviews, and employers should make reasonable efforts to accommodate these obligations.
Employers are expected to:
- Provide at least five (5) business days between a first-round on-Grounds interview and an off-site second-round interview
- Notify the Career Center in advance if on-site second-round interviews are planned for the day following first-round interview
- Make reasonable accommodations for students with class conflicts or previously scheduled recruiting commitments
- Refrain from scheduling Thursday first-round interviews that require Friday second-round interviews
- Note that Friday interviews may not be scheduled through the Career Center depending on the football schedule
The University of Virginia Career Center recognizes that some industries recruit students well in advance of anticipated start dates. To support equitable access to opportunities, employers participating in accelerated recruitment are expected to follow established recruiting timelines and offer practices.
Employers are expected to:
- Begin pre-select recruiting activities no earlier than the date established by the Career Center for the applicable recruiting cycle
- Adhere to these guidelines for all pre-select recruiting activities, including interviews, coffee chats, office hours, and similar engagement opportunities
- Provide students with a minimum of three (3) weeks to evaluate and respond to offers from the accelerated recruitment activities
Employment Offer Guidelines
The University of Virginia Career Center supports recruiting practices that allow students sufficient time to evaluate opportunities and make informed decisions. High-pressure recruiting tactics, including abbreviated offer deadlines, exploding offers, and time-limited bonuses, can create unnecessary stress and may lead students to make premature decisions. Employers are encouraged to provide reasonable consideration periods and remain flexible as students navigate the recruiting process.
Employers are expected to:
- Adhere to the offer timelines outlined below
- Communicate offer deadlines and expectations clearly and transparently
- Allow students sufficient time to evaluate opportunities and make informed decisions
- Notify the Career Center if a student reneges on an accepted offer after the organization has adhered to the guidelines below:
Recommended Offer Timelines:
| Offer Type | Recommended Deadline |
| Full-Time Offers to Summer Interns Prior to Graduation Year | October 30 or 3 weeks, whichever provides more time |
| Full-Time Offers During Fall Recruiting | October 30 or 3 weeks, whichever provides more time |
| Full-Time Offers During Spring Recruiting | February 15 or 3 weeks, whichever provides more time |
| Internship/Externship Offers Prior to Fall Recruiting | October 30 or 3 weeks, whichever provides more time |
| Internship/Externship Offers During Fall Recruiting | October 30 or 3 weeks, whichever provides more time |
| Internship/Externship Offers During Spring Recruiting | February 15 or 3 weeks, whichever provides more time |
| Accelerated Recruitment After Spring Break | 3 weeks |
On-Grounds Interviewing
The University of Virginia Career Center’s On-Grounds Interviewing (OGI) Program provides employers with an opportunity to connect with and interview qualified UVA students for full-time and internship opportunities. OGI can be used as a standalone recruiting strategy or paired with other recruiting activities, such as career fairs, information sessions, coffee chats, and networking events.
Eligibility Requirements:
To participate in On-Grounds Interviewing, employers must:
- Follow all UVA Career Center Recruiting Guidelines and Policies listed on this page
- Comply with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Guidelines
- Adhere to National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Principles for Ethical Professional Practices
Interview Space & Logistics
On-Grounds interviews and coffee chats are hosted in Bryant Hall at Scott Stadium. Interview suites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can accommodate a variety of recruiting formats.
To support a seamless recruiting experience, employers are greeted upon arrival by Career Center staff or Student Workers who assist with check-in, space orientation, and day-of logistics. Our team also supports student check-in and wayfinding throughout the day, allowing recruiters to focus on connecting with candidates.
Your Employer Relations Account Manager can assist with scheduling, room requests, and recruiting strategy recommendations.
Alcohol at Recruiting Events
Recruiting activities should provide a professional environment that supports equitable participation and informed decision-making by students. Consistent with University and NACE guidelines, alcohol should not be part of the recruiting process.
Employers are expected to:
- Refrain from serving or providing alcohol at recruiting events, whether held on Grounds or off Grounds
- Ensure information sessions, presentations, networking events, and other recruiting activities remain professional and accessible to all students
- Adhere to UVA policies and NACE Principles for Ethical Professional Practice regarding alcohol and recruiting activities
Inclement Weather
The University of Virginia Career Center is committed to maintaining clear communication with employers and students when weather or emergency conditions affect recruiting activities.
Employers are expected to:
- Monitor communications from the Career Center regarding schedule changes or event adjustments
- Provide updated contact information for recruiting representatives as needed
- Work collaboratively with the Career Center to reschedule affected recruiting activities when necessary