


- Make opportunities accessible; keep in mind whether or not student volunteers have access to cars.
- Provide a structured environment. Clearly defining roles, expectations, and responsibilities at the beginning of a community service placement helps volunteers gain a clearer understanding of their role within the agency.
- Prepare multiple tasks. Student volunteers are often extremely enthusiastic about their community service placement. You may be surprised at how quickly they complete their tasks.
- Students appreciate flexibility. Despite their dedication and commitment to community service, student volunteers may have to adjust their schedules due to exams and projects. It is extremely helpful to them when you can be understanding and willing to work with them in altering their scheduling.
- You also need to consider that students who are not residents of the Starkville area may need to return home for school breaks and holidays.
- Be prepared for big questions. "Why is there homelessness?" "What are the effects of racism on people?" Many students are involved in service because they want to learn more about issues or populations that interest them. Your responses to these questions play an important role in their commitment to long-term community involvement and activism.
- Determine how many volunteers you need. Be cautious not to take too many volunteers, so that there isn’t enough work for everyone. Or to take to few volunteers, and have them overworked.
- Students appreciate and need feedback. They often choose community service experiences related to their major courses of study, and their experience in your agency can assist them in developing professional and job-related skills and abilities. Let students know how their contribution is important to the organization and how they can improve their service.

(Adopted from the Community Service Program: Washington University in St. Louis, Office of Community Service-Learning: University of Maryland-College Park, and Campus & Community Service: University of California-Riverside)
This site is maintained by Melissa Sharp,
Graduate Assistant of Colvard Student Union,volunteer@saffairs.msstate.edu
Last modified:
November 12, 2008
URL: http://www.msstate.edu/org/campusoutreach/
www.msstate.edu