Docents
Student Docent Program
All university students are invited to apply to the Student Docent Program. The program is open to all graduate and undergraduate students from any academic department from any local college or university. Academic credit is available for participating in the training program. Candidates who successfully complete the training program will become student docents and will be eligible to be paid for each tour they lead.
Docent-in-Training Program
The Docent-in-Training program is designed to enhance educational opportunities and professionalize experiences for all tour guides. The training program begins in September and continues through the fall. Additional training and mentoring with experienced docents and staff continue through the winter.
Admission
Docent trainees will be admitted to the program via application and scheduled interview with Wexner Center education staff. Applications must be received no later than August 22. To apply, send a letter of interest and resume to edweb@wexarts.org or the following address:
Docent-in-Training Program
Education Department
Wexner Center for the Arts
1871 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43210
Responsibilities and Commitments
For an overview of typical responsibilities, commitments, and requirements, please download the 2010 Docent-in-Training syllabus (2011 syllabus coming soon).
Benefits
Academic Credit
Academic credit is available to all enrolled Ohio State graduate and undergraduate students. Students will earn three credit hours for autumn quarter and two hours for winter quarter through Ohio State's Department of Art Education. Winter quarter credit will be independent study credit, working with an experienced mentor docent and preparing and presenting a public tour for evaluation by Wexner Center education staff.
Compensation
Students currently enrolled at the graduate or undergraduate level from any central Ohio college or university will be eligible for a stipend of $23.70 per tour once they successfully complete the autumn and winter quarter training programs. This is based on a rate of $7.90 per hour for 3 hours per tour (1.5 hours of touring, 1.5 hours of preparation). Attendance at ongoing docent training sessions is required and is considered part of the above preparation time.
Bonus Benefits
- Connect with others who share your interest in contemporary art
- Meet artists and curators from around the world
- Learn about how museums work from the inside
- Support the Wexner Center's mission of active participation with contemporary art
- Develop and practice professional communication and presentation skills
- Participate actively in larger Columbus community by working with diverse groups interested in exploring contemporary art
