Teaching Kitchen

Individual Sign-Up Classes

Individual sign-up classes are open to all UVA students, faculty and staff

• Each class features step by step guidance in preparing a delicious, cost-effective, nutritious, easy-to-make meal and finishes with eating together.
• This is the class for you if you would like to cook with new people, learn a new recipe, and/or work on your general cooking skills and food knowledge. 

Classes are held on Thursday evenings from 5 - 6:30 p.m. and feature a new menu every week.

• Check out the Class Calendar to see what we’re cooking, when. Click on a class within the calendar to access the sign-up link and to view menu descriptions, which include information about dietary features and allergens. 
• New classes are posted and available for sign-up at the beginning of each month.

SIGN UP

Pre-registration is required for all of our classes.

• A $10 registration charge is requested to help cover the cost of food, staffing and facility utilization. This charge is non-refundable and can be paid via credit / debit card during the registration process. We also have a Food Security Fund, which enables us to welcome ALL students to participate in cooking classes, regardless of ability to pay. Participants simply elect this option during the registration process. 
• Classes are capped at 17 participants. You will receive either a confirmation or waitlist notice once you complete registration.
• Check out our Teaching Kitchen FAQs for more information.

 

Group Cooking Classes

Group cooking classes can be arranged for any group of students to cook together!

• Eligible Student Groups include clubs/CIOs, teams, sororities/fraternities, etc. You can also request a class for a group of friends.
• Housing and Residence Life supports community building for HRL staff and residents with specially designated “Hoo’s Cooking with HRL”classes. To request a class, fill out the “Request a Group Class” form and select “University Sponsored Group”.
• UVA-Sponsored Groups, including academic schools, departments, class councils and special status ODOS-affiliated organizations can sponsor a cooking class to support their students’ well-being and promote connection and belonging.

Group classes are scheduled by request. Available time-slots include:

• Mondays, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. 
• Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
• Check the Calendar at the bottom of this page and look for "Available for Group" to find currently open dates
• Occasionally other days/times by special arrangement.
• Requests must be received at least 2 weeks in advance of when you would like to host a class.
• Classes require a minimum of 8 participants and have a max capacity of 17. Please review our policies for group cooking classes before submitting your request.

Menu Selection 

• Cooking classes are taught by Teaching Kitchen student staff, dietetic interns, registered dietitians, professional chefs, and/or special guests. 
• Everything is provided in the Teaching Kitchen, and all experience levels are welcome.
• Choose from our curated selection of standard menu options, featuring a variety of cuisines, lifestyles, and culinary skills.

Cost (for standard menu options): Included in the cost for all cooking classes are food and supplies, staffing and facility utilization expenses.

• Student Groups: $10 per participant*. 
  • When individual group members self-pay, they elect to do so via credit / debit card through an online link in the class registration form
  • *Our Food Security Fund (FSF) enables us to welcome ALL students to participate in cooking classes, regardless of ability to pay. Participants simply elect this option during the registration process. 
  • Student groups may elect to pay on behalf of their members for $170 total
  • Charges are non-refundable 
• UVA-Sponsored Groups: $330 per class.**
  • Payment can be made via Worktags. Once your class date is confirmed, you will receive an email with a link for a payment form.
  • Charges are non-refundable.**

For groups seeking menu customization or curriculum development support, additional charges apply. Email our team to discuss planning and pricing.

REQUEST A GROUP CLASS

**Charges are non-refundable. If your class must be cancelled due to low enrollment, any charges paid will be contributed to our Food Security Fund.

UVA Academic Classes

Course instructors can collaborate with the Teaching Kitchen to develop hands-on cooking classes that align with their curriculum. 

• Examples: Science of Cooking with Materials Science and Engineering; French and Latin with the Summer Language Institute; Chemistry, Culture, and Cuisine with Chemistry; Africulture with African American and African Studies

Requirements/logistics:

• Class Capacity:
  • On average, up to 20 students per class session can participate live in the Teaching Kitchen.
  • Classes may also be recorded and/or live streamed to accommodate additional participants.
• Scheduling is done by request.
  • Contact the Teaching Kitchen as early as possible in your course planning to check date/time availability and review our policies for academic cooking classes before submitting your request.
  • Please note: Thursdays 4:00-7:30 pm are generally not available during fall and spring semesters due to our regularly scheduled programming.  
• Menu.
  • First, pitch us your ideas! We’ll then offer expert guidance to help you select and adapt recipes as needed.
• Staffing
  • Teaching Kitchen support staff presence is required.
  • Our trained and knowledgeable staff will be on-site to support you in setting up equipment and ingredients before class, assist your students during class, and ensure a safe and clean experience for all throughout your time in the Teaching Kitchen.
• Groceries, supplies, and equipment
  • The TK is well-stocked with standard appliances, dishes, and ingredients. We can even take care of the grocery shopping for you!

Cost

• Baseline price is $350 per 1-2 hour class session
  • Includes food and supplies*, facility utilization, full staffing*, and program support
  • *Discount may be available for classes providing their own food and supplies

 

Download our Teaching Kitchen Guide

Request aN Academic Cooking Class 

Get Involved

The Teaching Kitchen is a great place to work!

Participating in at least 1 Hoo's Cooking Class is a pre-requisite for Teaching Kitchen Employment

Teaching Kitchen Assistants help keep cooking classes running smoothly, from prep to clean up.

• The position requires a time commitment of 3-9 hours per week for fall and/or spring semester(s).
• One to 3 weekday evening shifts are required weekly and occasional daytime shifts are available. Shifts last 3 hours and include a FREE meal.
• We are now hiring for summer 2024 and the 2025 academic year.  Apply Here

 

Teaching Kitchen Facilitators lead cooking classes, demonstrating culinary skills and guiding participants in cooking a meal.

• The position requires a commitment of teaching at least 2 cooking classes per month during the fall and/or spring semester(s).
• Classes are scheduled on weekday evenings weekly and occasionally weekday daytimes.
• Check back at the end of the semester for positions next semester. 

 

Complete a practicum or internship as a Teaching Kitchen Assistant:

• Independent Study/Practicum/Internship experiences last 1 semester with option to repeat.
• 3-10 hours per week required, eligibility is determined by your academic department.
• Questions? Contact Melanie Brede, Teaching Kitchen Director.

 

Skills and Safety 

Check out these kitchen and food preparation skills and safety videos, part of our Hoo's Cooking series: 

• Cooking Rice
• How to Chop an Onion
• How to Cut a Pineapple
• Knife Skills and Safety
• Proper Food Storage
• Roasting Vegetables

"Whether you are a novice or an expert in the kitchen, Hoo’s Cooking classes deliver nutritious, yummy meals and tips to improve your culinary skills" - The Cavalier Daily

The ‘Sioux Chef’ Brings Earthy Eating to Grounds