Definition

Volunteerism is the involvement of students in activities where the primary emphasis is on the service being provided and the primary intended beneficiary is clearly the service recipient. It is not linked to the students’ coursework, nor to academic credit.

Purpose

• Volunteerism allow students to engage in the community around issues or populations of their choosing.

Benefits

• Freedom to choose community agencies.
• Only accountable to self and organization.
• Work experience.
• Skill development.

Duration

Not tied to academic calendar in any way.

Planning

Students do majority of planning

• Research and secure volunteer opportunities
• Follow up with agencies directly