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: Human Resources
: President
: 09/20/2018
: 09/20/2018
: 09/20/2019

Volunteers Policy

Comment on Policy

AUDIENCE

All departments that engage a Volunteer to provide assistance on the University’s behalf.

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The purpose of this Policy is to provide guidance for use of Volunteers by University departments, as well as reduce volunteer risk and protect the interests of the University, its Volunteers, and the community it serves.

DEFINITIONS

Volunteer—any uncompensated individual who is authorized by a University division or unit to perform humanitarian, charitable or public services on behalf of the University, or to gain personal or professional experience in specific endeavors.  By definition, Volunteers perform services without promise, expectation or receipt of any compensation, future employment or any other tangible benefit.

Vulnerable Persons—include minors, developmentally disabled individuals regardless of age and vulnerable individuals regardless of age.  Vulnerable persons include those who are mentally incapacitated, whether temporarily or permanently, for any cause including but not limited to intoxication, drugs, or mental incompetence.

Vulnerable Population Programs—means University-sponsored programs and activities, including but not limited to academic programs and camps, serving Protected Persons.

THE POLICY

University departments may use volunteers to accomplish certain work as well as extend their budgets.  Volunteer services must be properly authorized by the host department and Human Resources.  Authorized volunteers may be deemed to be agents of the University; therefore, qualifications, background and suitability of the individual must be considered before offering an opportunity to volunteer.  Unauthorized volunteers may not be permitted to perform any duties or services on behalf of the University.  Moreover, any individual listed on a sex offender registry or who has been convicted of an offense for which he or she must register as a sex or violent offender may not serve as a Volunteer.  No department may discriminate in selecting Volunteers based on any status protected by state or federal law.

Under federal law, individuals holding F-2, J-2 and H-4 visa statuses are prohibited from volunteering in the same departments and on similar projects as paid University employees. Individuals holding B-1 or B-2 visas are prohibited from volunteering in any capacity at the University.

RELATED POLICIES AND APPLICABLE LEGAL OR ACCREDITATION STANDARDS

Background, Reference, and Verification Screens Policy

PROCEDURES

I. Responsibilities and Rights of University Volunteers

University Volunteers must comply with University and division policies and procedures, as well as legal requirements that govern their actions.  These include but are not limited to those relating to employee conduct, safety, confidentiality, sensitive information, protected health information, University computer and network system use, financial responsibility, and drug or alcohol use.  Department heads are responsible for making certain Volunteers comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, as well as applicable laws and regulations.

Volunteers are not covered by the Fair Labor Standard Act and therefore are not considered employees for any purpose.  As such, they are not eligible for compensation or benefits.

II. Eligibility

Anyone, including retirees, students, alumni, or others, may provide volunteer services to the University with the following restrictions:

III. Selection and Assignment

When selecting and engaging a Volunteer, it is the department’s responsibility to be certain the individual has adequate experience, qualifications, and training for the assigned task(s).  The following procedures are required to engage a Volunteer:

IV. Dismissal

A Volunteer’s term of service may be terminated at any time and without prior notice by the supervisor or the appropriate vice president.  Similarly, the Volunteer may end service at any time. 

REFERENCING THE POLICY

HISTORY

This is a new policy, replacing language in the Staff Manual (May 2014).

APPENDIX

There are no appendices to this Policy.

APPROVALS

Laura Custer, Director of Human Resources

Dr. Kathleen Jagger, Acting President