Volunteering at TXST
At Texas State University, volunteer programs offer an enriching and empowering experience, providing individuals with a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on campus.
By participating, volunteers not only contribute to vital causes but also gain valuable skills and enjoy personal growth. These programs are a gateway to forming new connections and expanding professional networks, all while achieving a deep sense of personal satisfaction and purpose.
For those eager to make a difference and enrich their own lives, volunteering is a rewarding journey that fosters both individual development and societal progress.
Process Information
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Texas State University. There are many ways you can volunteer through TXST. Explore the various opportunities available on the Volunteer Opportunities at TXST website.
Volunteer application process:
- Apply for a volunteer opportunity
- If selected, the prospective volunteer will need to authorize and complete a criminal background check request
- After successful completion of the background check, the volunteer may be assigned required trainings based on volunteer position
- Once required trainings are completed the volunteer may begin their volunteer activities
Volunteer Requirements
Training & Skills
Training and Compliance: Volunteers may be required to undergo specific training, especially if they are involved in areas like research, lab work, or working with vulnerable populations. Understanding and complying with university policies and procedures is also crucial.
If a volunteer position has associated required training courses, you will need to complete training within SuccessFactors (SF) Learning to satisfy your role’s requirements. Any training courses will be directly assigned to you in SF, and you will be expected to complete them before your programming/event.
Need help navigating SuccessFactors (SF) Learning? Visit our SF Learning User Guides website.
Specific Skills or Knowledge: Some volunteer roles may require specific skills or knowledge, such as tutoring in a particular subject, IT skills for tech support roles, or event planning experience for organizing campus events.
Volunteer Expectations
Volunteering at TXST can be a rewarding experience, with various roles and responsibilities depending on the nature of the volunteer work. Here are some common expectations for volunteers:
Time Commitment: Volunteers are often expected to commit a certain amount of time per week or per event. This can vary widely, from a few hours a week to more intensive involvement during specific events or projects.
Professionalism: Even as volunteers, a professional attitude is expected. This includes punctuality, reliability, and respectful interaction with students, staff, faculty, and other volunteers.
Confidentiality: If volunteers have access to sensitive information, such as student records or research data, they are expected to maintain confidentiality.
Teamwork and Communication: Volunteers often work as part of a team. Effective communication and collaboration with other volunteers and university staff are important.
Adaptability and Initiative: University environments can be dynamic, with changing needs and challenges. Volunteers might be expected to adapt to new tasks and take initiative where needed.
Respect for the Community: Volunteers are representatives of the university within the broader community. Volunteers should strive to be good stewards of community resources and act in ways that contribute to the well-being and cohesion of the community as a whole.
Feedback and Evaluation: Volunteers may receive feedback on their performance and may also be asked to provide feedback about their volunteer experience. This helps improve the volunteer program.
Passion and Enthusiasm: While not a formal requirement, a genuine interest in the university's mission and the specific area of volunteer work can greatly enhance the experience.
It's important to note that expectations can vary greatly depending on the specific role and the university's needs. Prospective volunteers should check with the university's volunteer coordinator or relevant department for detailed information relevant to their role.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I become a volunteer?
Volunteer opportunities are posted on the website. To apply, complete an application, and a volunteer coordinator will contact you with further instructions.
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What is the volunteer commitment?
The volunteer commitment varies depending on the program. This information can be found on the opportunity posting. Additional information will be provided by the respective program volunteer coordinator.
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Is training for volunteers provided?
Where needed, volunteers will be provided training by the program coordinator. Additional online training may be assigned based on the volunteer duties. Online training is accessible through the University’s learning management system, SuccessFactors Learning.
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What are the requirements for volunteers?
Volunteers are expected to follow all University policies and procedures.
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Do volunteers receive pay?
A volunteer is, by definition, an unpaid position. Volunteer coordinators may not issue payment to individuals identified as volunteers at any time.
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Can volunteers receive a charitable contribution receipt for their service?
Yes, the IRS allows the University to reimburse and/or provide charitable tax receipts to volunteers for expenses such as parking.
Upon the request of the volunteer, the volunteer coordinator may provide them with documentation acknowledging time spent without placing any numerical value on that amount of time.
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What privileges and benefits may be extended to volunteers?
Volunteers may be provided with free access to events if the event is related to their volunteer assignment.
Use of other benefits (e.g., uniforms, parking vouchers, food, etc.) are permitted at the discretion of the volunteer coordinator and are available for use only during the time of their volunteer assignment.
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Can volunteers drive University vehicles (e.g., golf carts)?
Yes. Per UPPS 05.05.02 Driver Selection, the University will conduct a driving history check to ensure the volunteer has a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Safety training is required and can be scheduled through the Department of Environmental Health, Safety, Risk and Emergency Management. The University’s auto insurance does not cover personal vehicles. The owner’s auto insurance will be the primary coverage for liability and collision damage.
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Can volunteers bring their own equipment, vehicle, tools, and personal items on campus?
Yes, volunteers may use their own equipment while fulfilling their volunteer duties at their own risk. The University will not cover any damages or reimburse volunteers if their personal items are damaged or stolen.
The University’s auto insurance does not cover personal vehicles. The owner’s auto insurance will be the primary coverage for liability and collision damage.
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Can volunteers be granted access to TXST email and other systems (e.g., SAP, Banner, etc.)?
Approved volunteers will be provided a NetID and A#. Volunteers in positions that require training (e.g., those working with minors) or those whose positions require email or system access due to the nature of the assigned duties can be provided with the needed access.
To request access, the volunteer coordinator must submit a request to ITAC as part of the volunteer onboarding process.
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Can volunteers have access to financial, private and confidential information?
Yes, volunteers may have access to sensitive information, subject to a clear background check and completion of a confidentiality agreement. Volunteers must be informed of, and abide by, all laws that govern such information (e.g., FERPA, HIPPA, PCI, etc.).
More information on University policies related to information security can be found on the Information Security Office website.
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When is a criminal background check required for a volunteer?
Per UPPS 04.04.09 Volunteer Program, criminal background checks are required in advance of selection for all volunteers.
Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Associate Vice President for Human Resources.