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Summer SAVY 2023 Positions

Summer Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young

Summer 2023

Are you passionate about working with elementary and middle school students? Do you thrive when working in a fast-paced, high-energy work environment? Are you interested in learning how to meet the needs of advanced learners?

Housed within Programs for Talented Youth (PTY), a unit within Peabody College of education and human development, Summer Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY) hosts academically advanced elementary and middle school students during summer day programs.

Summer SAVY 2022 Dates*:

  • Session 1: June 12-16
  • Session 2: June 19-23
  • Session 3: June 26-June 30
  • Session 4: July 10-14
  • Session 5: July 17-21
  • Session 6: July 24-28

Click here for more information about the SAVY experience!

Please follow the links below for individual position job descriptions. For any questions about summer positions, please contact us at savy.pty@vanderbilt.edu. Applicants both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest.

All individuals expressing interested in PTY positions must be at least 18-years-old. Two years experience working or volunteering with youth, is preferred but not required, for most positions.

There is no deadline to submit interest in SAVY positions. Statements of interest will continue be accepted until all positions are filled. You can express interest in multiple positions.

Leadership Team Opportunities

SAVY Head of Teaching and Learning

Click Here To Learn More About Being The Head of Teaching and Learning

SAVY Head of Teaching and Learning

Location: Nashville, TN
Reports to: PTY Director of Academics

The SAVY Head of Teaching and Learning works with the PTY Director of Academics to ensure exceptional academic experiences within the academic components of the K-8 grade program. The SAVY Head of Teaching and Learning is responsible for a variety of pre-program, during program, and after program academic support, including but not limited to reviewing lesson plans/syllabi, meeting with instructors, observing instruction and providing feedback, modeling appropriate pedagogy, reviewing student rubrics, collaborating with the Head of Academic Operations, and collaborating with the Director of Academics and VSA Head of Student Support to help students with academic concerns. The Head will serve as a role model for staff and students, upholding and exemplifying community values, regulations, and expectations.

Perks:

Your summer includes:

  • Making a difference through investing in the lives of gifted and high achieving young scholars.
  • Working on the campus of a nationally-known institution.
  • Adding a unique experience to your resume.
  • Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in gifted and advanced students.
  • Competitive compensation with lunch provided.

Expectations:

Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the Head of Teaching and Learning is expected to:

  • Serve as a role model for all student participants and colleagues.
  • Actively engage in all aspects of the academic experience at SAVY.
  • Along with the Director of Academics, oversee SAVY instruction and academics to ensure quality and developmentally appropriate instruction and feedback designed to meet the needs of high ability students.
  • Implement an effective observation schedule and feedback system for SAVY.
  • Liaise with the SAVY Logistics team to ensure that instructors’ logistical needs are met.
  • Uphold and exemplify community values, regulations, and expectations.
  • Assist with various administrative duties and processes to ensure smooth operations.
  • Discuss academic concerns with instructors, parents, and students in a professional and solutions-focused approach.
  • Assist with compliance related protocol and issues.
  • Thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment that requires continuing flexibility, a positive and caring attitude, and collaboration.
  • Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following characteristics:

  • A minimum of a bachelor’s degree with an M.Ed. preferred.
  • Experience teaching and/or working in an educational settiing is required. (Candidates both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest.).
  • A background in a gifted education is preferred, but not required.
  • Demonstrate exceptional maturity and character.
  • Experience with coaching educators preferred.
  • Possess cultural sensitivity awareness and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Have experience communicating with parents or key stakeholders of an organization.
  • Embody a strong team player ethic and sense of humor.
  • Be able to successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.
  • Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors.
  • Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials.

Compensation:

$25.00/hr

Program Dates and Times:*

  • Positions start date is negotiable. 5-10 hours per week in May preferred. 40 hours per week by June 1 to July 31.
  • Onsite Training: TBD in June
  • SAVY Sessions operating June-July
  • June 12-16
  • June 19-23
  • June 26-30
  • July 10-14
  • July 17-21
  • July 24-28
  • The standard shift is 7:30AM to 4:30PM Monday-Friday.

*dates subject to change

SAVY Head of Operations

Click Here To Learn More About Being The Head of Operations

Location: Nashville, TN
Reports to: Director of Elementary Programs 

Job Description:  

The Program Coordinator/Head of Operations is a member of the SAVY administrative team. The person in this role oversees the operational components of the Teaching Assistant positions. The Head of Operations manages the daily operations of the SAVY program to ensure a quality experience for students, instructors, and Teaching Assistants. This position is responsible for a variety of pre-program and in-program objectives including but not limited to: coordinating and distributing reports to staff related to SAVY student needs, communicating with Teaching Assistants concerning schedules and policy compliance, drafting daily emails to families and staff, helping oversee the SAVY inbox, managing early dismissals and late arrivals, and serving as the primary contact for families during the SAVY day.  

Perks: 

Your summer includes:  

  • Making a difference through investing in the lives of gifted and high-achieving young scholars.  
  • Working on the campus of a nationally-known institution.   
  • Adding a unique experience to your resume.  
  • Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in gifted and advanced students.  
  • Enjoying competitive compensation with lunch provided.

Expectations: 

Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the Head of Operations is expected to:  

  • Serve as a role model for all student participants and colleagues.  
  • Implement efficient operations and workflow strategies in a rapidly changing and fast-paced program.  
  • Help maintain a vibrant SAVY academic office that serves as the central hub for scheduling, record keeping, documentation of confidential information and program logistics for the program. 
  • Provide effective communication and resource distribution across program staff.  
  • Uphold and exemplify community values, regulations, and expectations. 
  • Enthusiastically adapt and pivot as needed to ensure optimal, engaging, and safe student experiences. 
  • Assist with various administrative duties and processes to ensure smooth operations. 
  • Support arrival, dismissal, and lunch supervision. 
  • Assist with maintaining compliance-related protocols.  
  • Thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment that requires continuing flexibility, a positive and caring attitude, and collaboration.  
  • Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality. 
  • Be highly mature and able to assist with the management of a summer academic program for elementary students.   
  • Engage willingly as a team player with humor, enthusiasm, and a compassionate understanding of K-8 students.   Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:   

The ideal candidate will:   

  • Possess a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred.
  • Be a graduate student or a professional.
  • Teaching or other experiences in an educational setting is required. (Candidates both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest.) 
  • Demonstrate exceptional maturity and character.   
  • Possess cultural sensitivity awareness and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
  • Have experience communicating with parents or key stakeholders of an organization.   
  • Embody a strong team player ethic and sense of humor.  
  • Be able to successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.  
  • Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors. Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials.

Compensation: 

$25.00/hr  

Program Dates and Times:* 

  • Position’s start date is negotiable; 20-30 hours per week in April and May preferred. Approximately 40 hours per week from June 1 to July 31. 
  • Onsite Training and Preparation for the program: June 1 – June 9, 2023  
  • SAVY Sessions operating June – July   
    • June 12-16 
    • June 19-23  
    • June 26-30 
    • July 10-14 
    • July 17-21 
    • July 24-28  
    • The standard shift on SAVY days is approximately 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday – Friday.  

*dates subject to change 

SAVY Head of Academic Logistics

Click Here To Learn More About Being The Head of Academic Logisitcs

Location: Nashville, TN
Reports to: Director of Elementary Programs 

Job Description:  

The Head of Academic Logistics is a member of the SAVY administrative team. The person in this role oversees the logistical components of the SAVY academic experience to ensure a quality experience for students, instructors, and Teaching Assistants. This position is responsible for a variety of pre-program and in-program objectives including but not limited to: academic material ordering, communication with Teaching Assistants and instructors concerning material needs, scheduling and distribution of PTY technology to classrooms, and managing field trip schedules and supervision.  

Perks: 

Your summer includes:  

  • Making a difference through investing in the lives of gifted and high-achieving young scholars.  
  • Working on the campus of a nationally-known institution.   
  • Adding a unique experience to your resume.  
  • Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in gifted and advanced students.   
  • Enjoying competitive compensation with lunch provided. 

Expectations: 

Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the Head of Academic Logistics is expected to:  

  • Serve as a role model for all student participants and colleagues.  
  • Help maintain a vibrant SAVY academic office that serves as the central hub for scheduling, record keeping, documentation of confidential information, and logistics for the program.  
  • Ensure that program staff have materials needed for successful program implementation. 
  • Oversee logistics related to technology distribution and field trip schedules. 
  • Support the continued organization of the SAVY supply room. 
  • Uphold and exemplify community values, regulations, and expectations.  
  • Enthusiastically adapt and pivot as needed to ensure optimal, engaging, and safe student experiences.  
  • Oversee the distribution and organization of data from staff, student, and parent program surveys. 
  • Support with arrival, dismissal, and lunch supervision. 
  • Assist with various administrative duties and processes to ensure smooth operations.  
  • Assist with compliance related protocol and issues.  
  • Thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment that requires continuing flexibility, a positive and caring attitude, and collaboration.  
  • Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality. 
  • Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:   

The ideal candidate will:   

  • Possess a bachelor’s degree
  • Be a graduate student or a professional. A teaching or education background is preferred. (Candidates both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest.).  
  • Demonstrate exceptional maturity and character.   
  • Possess cultural sensitivity awareness and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
  • Have experience communicating with parents or key stakeholders of an organization.   
  • Embody a strong team-player ethic and sense of humor.  
  • Be able to successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.  
  • Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors. 
  • Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials. 

Compensation: 

$20.00/hr 

Program Dates and Times:* 

  • Position’s start date is negotiable; up to 20 hours per week starting by March 1 is preferred. Approximately 40 hours per week from June 1 to July 31. 
  • Onsite Training and Preparation for the program: June 1 – June 9, 2023  
  • SAVY Sessions operating June – July   
    • June 12-16 
    • June 19-23  
    • June 26-30 
    • July 10-14 
    • July 17-21 
    • July 24-28  
    • The standard shift on SAVY days is approximately 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday –Friday.  

*dates subject to change 

SAVY Head of Student Support

Click Here To Learn More About Being The Head of Student Support

Location: Nashville, TN
Reports to: Director of Elementary Programs 

The Head of Student Support is a member of the SAVY administrative team. The person in this role works to establish and communicate an environment of support to students, serving as a resource to students who may need that extra level of guidance when dealing with a social emotional or behavioral issue, including group dynamics. The Head of Student Support collaborates with the Head of Teaching and Learning to empower instructors and Teaching Assistants to engage with their students in respectful, meaningful and thoughtful ways, making sure all staff exhibit empathy and compassion in their conversations with parents, students, and staff. The Head of Student Support will: handle unexpected student issues such as illness, behavior, and violations of stated community code of conduct; be highly mature; engage willingly as a team player with humor, enthusiasm and compassion; and enthusiastically adapt and pivot as needed to ensure optimal, engaging, and safe experiences for all students. 

Perks: 

Your summer includes:  

  • Making a difference through investing in the lives of gifted and high-achieving young scholars.  
  • Working on the campus of a nationally-known institution.   
  • Adding a unique experience to your resume.  
  • Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in gifted and advanced students.   
  • Enjoying competitive compensation with lunch provided. 

Expectations: 

Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the SAVY Head of Student Support is expected to:   

  • Establish and communicate an environment of support to staff and students.   
  • Serve as a resource to students who may need an extra level of guidance when dealing with any of the following issues: personal, academic, relational, family, or group dynamics.   
  • Serve as a resource to staff on how to properly support students in their groups/classes.  
  • Facilitate communication across the program when student issues come to the surface, helping to bring necessary parties together in service of the student.   
  • Empower Teaching Assistants to engage with their students in respectful, meaningful, and thoughtful ways.   
  • Embody empathy and compassion in conversations with parents, students, and staff.    
  • Handle unexpected student issues, including but not limited to: student illness, violations of stated community code of conduct, etc.   
  • Be highly mature and able to assist with the management of a summer academic program for elementary students.   
  • Engage willingly as a team player with humor, enthusiasm, and a compassionate understanding of K-8 students.   
  • Enthusiastically adapt and pivot as needed to ensure optimal, engaging, and safe student experiences.    
  • Support and counsel students struggling with anxiety, homesickness, making friends, adapting to the program, etc.  
  • Create opportunities to boost and support staff morale.  
  • Engage with students during lunch. 
  • Check in with students regularly who were referred to Student Support. 
  • Work closely with other leadership team members to address problems in a timely manner.   
  • Support with arrival, dismissal, and lunch supervision 
  • Exemplify SAVY’s purpose, identify and communicate the cornerstones of a respectful academic community, and serve as a role model for all staff and students.   
  • Uphold and enforce all program and University rules as outlined in staff and student handbooks.   
  • Thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment that requires continuing flexibility, a positive and caring attitude, and collaboration.   
  • Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality. 
  • Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:   

The ideal candidate will:    

  • Possess a bachelor’s degrees, be a graduate student or a professional.
  • Experience in teaching or school counseling is preferred. (Candidates both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest.).  
  • Must be over 21 years old.  
  • Possess cultural sensitivity awareness and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
  • Demonstrate exceptional maturity and character.   
  • Have experience communicating with parents or key stakeholders of an organization.   
  • Embody a strong team player ethic and sense of humor.  
  • Be able to successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.  
  • Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors. 
  • Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials. 

Compensation: 

$25.00/hr 

Program Dates and Times:* 

  • Position’s start date is negotiable;5-10 hours per week in May preferred. Approximately 40 hours per week from June 1 to July 31. 
  • Onsite Training and Preparation for the program: June 1 – June 9, 2023  
  • SAVY Sessions operating June – July   
    • June 12-16 
    • June 19-23  
    • June 26-30 
    • July 10-14 
    • July 17-21 
    • July 24-28  
    • The standard shift on SAVY days is approximately 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday –Friday.  

*dates subject to change 

SAVY Program Assistant

Click Here To Learn More About Being The Program Assistant

Location: Nashville, TN
Reports to: Director of Elementary Programs

Job Description:  

The Program Assistant position is a pivotal position within the SAVY summer office staff, responsible for supporting the Assistant Director of Elementary Programs and SAVY Heads to manage a variety of tasks essential to SAVY operations. The work of the Program Assistant ensures that day-to-day operations run smoothly for all SAVY staff, students, and families. 

Individual tasks and assignments will vary according to strength, schedule, and interest of the Program Assistant, but general responsibilities include establishing a friendly and professional point of contact in the SAVY office, supporting the SAVY administrative team with supporting classroom needs, providing supervision during key program times, supporting late arrivals and early dismissals, and assisting Heads on specific projects. 

Perks: 

Your summer includes:  

  • Making a difference through investing in the lives of gifted and high-achieving young scholars.  
  • Working on the campus of a nationally-known institution.   
  • Adding a unique experience to your resume.  
  • Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in gifted and advanced students.   
  • Enjoying competitive compensation with lunch provided.

Expectations: 

Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, SAVY Program Assistant is expected to:  

  • Be a role model for all student participants and colleagues.  
  • Implement efficient operations and workflow strategies in a rapidly changing and fast-paced program.   
  • Help support a vibrant SAVY office that serves as the central hub for scheduling, record keeping, documentation of confidential information and program logistics.   
  • Uphold and exemplify community values, regulations, and expectations.  
  • Enthusiastically adapt and pivot as needed to ensure optimal, engaging, and safe student experiences.  
  • Collaborate effectively with other members of the SAVY team, supporting Heads when specific needs arise.  
  • Assist with various administrative duties and processes to ensure smooth operations.  
  • Thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment that requires continuing flexibility, a positive and caring attitude, and collaboration.  
  • Support with arrival, dismissal, and lunch supervision. 
  • Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality. 
  • Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:   

The ideal candidate will:   

  • Be a current undergraduate, graduate student, or professional (Students both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest).  
  • Demonstrate exceptional maturity and character.   
  • Possess cultural sensitivity awareness and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
  • Have experience working within an office or customer-service intensive role.   
  • Have experience communicating with parents or key stakeholders of an organization.   
  • Embody a strong team player ethic and sense of humor.  
  • Be able to successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.  
  • Be highly mature and able to assist with the management of a summer academic program for elementary students.   
  • Engage willingly as a team player with humor, enthusiasm, and a compassionate understanding of K-8 students.   
  • Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors. 
  • Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials. 

Compensation: 

$16.00/hr 

Program Dates and Times:* 

  • Position’s start date is negotiable; up to 20 hours per week starting by March 1 is preferred. Approximately 40 hours per week from June 1 to July 31. 
  • Onsite Training and Preparation for the program: June 1 – June 9, 2023  
  • SAVY Sessions operating June – July   
    • June 12-16 
    • June 19-23  
    • June 26-30 
    • July 10-14 
    • July 17-21 
    • July 24-28 
    • The standard shift on SAVY days is approximately 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday – Friday.  

*dates subject to change 

Teaching Assistant Opportunities

Click Here To Learn More About Being A Teaching Assistant

Job Description:

Summer Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY) is a summer day program for academically advanced students in grades K-8 grade. Students take classes taught by master teachers and/or content experts. The SAVY teaching assistant is responsible for supporting students and instructors each week. Students take one course for a one-week session and are typically in class Monday-Friday, from approximately 8:45AM to 4:00PM. Teaching assistants typically arrive at 8:00 AM on the first day of each session and at 8:30 for the other days. Teaching assistants are assigned to one class each week.

Perks:

Your summer includes:

  • Making a difference through investing in the lives of gifted and high achieving young scholars.
  • Working on the campus of a nationally-known institution.
  • Adding a unique experience to your resume.
  • Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in gifted and high ability students.
  • Competitive compensation with lunch included.

Expectations:

Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, VSA Teaching Assistants manage four domains of responsibility:

  1. Program Support — Supervise students, provide accountability to students and instructors for program schedules and policies, assist SAVY arrival and dismissal (car rider line), adhere to and support compliance of program and university policies including the protection of minors, guidelines and regulations, and provide additional support as determined by administrative staff.
  2. Logistical Support — Set up for labs and other classroom activities and other duties necessary to the smooth operations of the classroom.
  3. Pedagogical Classroom Support — Assist with differentiated instruction, classroom management and engagement, work with the instructor to develop short teaching/breakout models as appropriate, supervise study halls and labs as applicable. Teaching Assistants will also coordinate meetings with instructors prior to the program to help prepare for the class.
  4. Student Support — Liaise with appropriate staff about students’ socio-emotional and academic concerns. All PTY staff must adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality.

Qualifications:

Qualified applicants must have experience and interest in working with children. Applicants both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest. Teaching experience and/or experience working with advanced students is a plus.

Compensation:

$16.00/hr

Program Dates and Times:*

Onsite Training: TBA

SAVY Sessions:

Session 1: June 12 – 16
Session 2: June 19 – 23
Session 3: June 26 – 30
Session 4: July 10 – 14
Session 5: July 17 – 21
Session 6: July 24 – 28

Standard hours are Monday from approximately 8:00AM to 4:00PM 8:30, Tuesday – Friday from approximately 8:30AM to 4:00PM

* TAs may work one or multiple sessions. Preference will be given to applicants who are available for the entirety of the summer. Dates subject to change.

SAVY Instructor Opportunities

Click Here To Learn More About Teaching For SAVY

Job Description:

Summer Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY) is a summer day program for academically advanced students in grades K-8 grade. Students take classes taught by master teachers and/or content experts. The SAVY course instructor is responsible for designing and executing a PTY course that is appropriately challenging, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for students. Students take one course for a one-week session and are typically in class Monday-Friday, from approximately 8:45AM to 4:00PM. Instructors will have support leading up to the session from PTY’s Director of Academics. During the session, SAVY instructors will have support from the Director of Academics, Head of Teaching and Learning, Head of Academic Operations, and a teaching assistant.

Perks:

Your summer includes
• Making a difference through investing in the lives of advanced middle and high school students.
• Working on the campus of a nationally-known institution.
• Adding a unique experience to your resume.
• Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in gifted and advanced students.
• Competitive compensation.

Expectations:

• Carefully design an academically rigorous and engaging course that appeals to advanced students with a variety of learning styles.
o Courses can be designed for students in rising 1st/2nd grade, 3rd/4th grade, 5th/6th grade, or 7th/8th grade
• Meet, as requested, with PTY’s Director of Academics and/or VSA’s Head of Teaching and Learning, to discuss future plans or to reflect on current instruction
• Teach the group of students enrolled in class for the duration of the session
• Complete evaluations (rubrics) on all students in the class in a timely manner following the conclusion of the course
• Conduct a parent open house to showcase the course and students’ work
• Write daily blog posts to share with families on the PTY website
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with SAVY staff, including responding to requests for information from SAVY staff in a timely manner
• Submit lesson plans, materials lists, and a welcome letter in advance of the program and at the communicated deadline
• Collaborate with a teaching assistant to support classroom instruction and dynamics
• Understand and implement policies and procedures related to protection of minors
• Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality
• Successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.
• Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors.
• Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials.

Qualifications:

Qualified applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree. Current experienced classroom teachers, university faculty, staff, postdocs, and Ph.D. students preferred. Applicants both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest. PTY offers a variety of courses in STEM and humanities, and so we seek applicants from a broad range of disciplines. Teaching experience and/or experience working with advanced students is a plus.

Compensation:

Based on degree/credentials, starting at $1500/week.

Program Dates and Times:*

Online Training: TBA
Onsite Training: TBA

SAVY Sessions operating June-July
Session 1: June 12 – 16
Session 2: June 19 – 23
Session 3: June 26 – 30
Session 4: July 10 – 14
Session 5: July 17 – 21
Session 6: July 24 – 28

Standard hours are Monday-Friday, 8:45AM–4:00 PM

* Instructors may work one or multiple sessions. Dates subject to change.