Read below to learn more about registering or renewing a volunteer service opportunity, the volunteer approval process, and your responsibilities as a supervisor.
Questions? Email us at isuvolunteer@iastate.edu.
Many individuals perform volunteer services that help support and advance Iowa State's mission. A volunteer performs services without promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation, benefits, or consideration for services provided.
An Iowa State volunteer may be a member of the public, a university employee, or a student enrolled at Iowa State who wishes to volunteer for a department, unit, or program. When providing volunteer services, a volunteer is not acting as a university employee, is not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and is not eligible for university benefits or workers' compensation.
See the Volunteers policy for a full definition and details.
Departments chairs/unit directors may also request background checks for other responsibilities if they deem it necessary.
Opportunities must be annually reviewed and approved.
The department/unit volunteer supervisor is responsible for ensuring all volunteers have adequate experience, qualifications, and training for the services they will be required to perform.
Departments/units who authorize volunteers must identify a volunteer supervisor who is responsible for exercising reasonable care in planning and implementing the volunteer experience and ensuring compliance with all applicable university policies and procedures.
Some university volunteers may drive university vehicles. Departments/units must indicate in Cy Check that a volunteer will be driving a vehicle, gator, or golf cart as part of their authorized duties, and a motor vehicle record (MVR) check will be run. If a volunteer is authorized to drive as a result of their MVR check, their volunteer supervisor must provide orientation on the Fleet Safety and Vehicle Use/Rental policy and related rules and driver requirements. Volunteers should not use a personal vehicle for university business. Iowa State will not reimburse an employee, other private owner, or their insurance for any deductible or liability claim paid by their personal auto insurance policy, or for any damage to the vehicle.
Volunteer supervisors must provide all volunteers with an orientation prior to beginning service. Topics should include applicable university policies, regulations, and guidelines, and local, state, and federal laws concerning health, safety, and public order. Supervisors must document all orientation and training conducted.
A volunteer is an individual who performs services to support the humanitarian, educational, or service mission of the university. A volunteer performs services without promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation, benefits, or consideration for the services provided. Although compensation for volunteer services is not allowed, Iowa State volunteers who have received prior department/unit approval may be reimbursed for action and reasonable expenses following university reimbursement guidelines.
A volunteer may be a member of the public, a university employee, or student enrolled at the university. When providing volunteer services, a volunteer is not acting as an Iowa State employee, is not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and is not eligible for university benefits or workers' compensation. A volunteer should not perform services that are standardly performed by a person in a paid university position.
No, if they are performing volunteer services for an entity that is not a university department or program. Examples of affiliated organizations include Iowa State University Foundation, Alumni Association, and Iowa State Center. Some events may be both affiliate and Iowa State events. Contact the youth and volunteer programs team if you have questions.
Yes. Volunteers who are ages 15-17 must have a parent/guardian sign the volunteer service agreement before performing any services. Volunteers under the age of 15 must have a parent/guardian sign the volunteer service agreement and must be under the supervision of a parent/guardian at all times during the volunteer service.
Volunteers who require emergency care should dial 911. If the injury or illness is not an emergency, volunteers should contact immediately contact their volunteer supervisor.
When providing volunteer services, an individual is not acting as a university employee, is not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and is not eligible for university benefits or workers' compensation. However, if a volunteer is injured while acting within the scope of their volunteer responsibilities and the injury was caused by the university's negligence, they may file a claim against the university under the Iowa Tort Claims Act, Iowa Code, Chapter 669.
Departments/units may contact Risk Management if interested in purchasing special accident/medical insurance for approved volunteers.
Upon signing a volunteer service agreement, a volunteer agrees that any intellectual property created as part of their volunteer service is owned by the university, unless a separate written agreement exists. Volunteers also agree to protect and maintain confidentiality of the research products of faculty, staff, and students, and that they will not use data or research of university employees without permission and appropriate attribution of credit.
Yes. The volunteer or the department/unit may end volunteer services at any time and without prior notice. All volunteer service opportunities must be renewed annual through Cy Check.
Contact the department/unit of interest directly for information about available volunteer opportunities. Risk management provides assistance to the department/unit in approving volunteers and volunteer opportunities.
Yes. The university is responsible whenever a volunteer is acting on behalf of the university and within the scope of their volunteer services. Iowa State is not responsible for criminal or intentional misconduct of a volunteer, but may be responsible for negligent selection or supervision. When acting on behalf of the university and within the scope of their services, a volunteer is protected against personal liability by the Iowa Tort Claims Act, Iowa Code Chapter 669, and the Federal Volunteer Protection Act, 42 United States Code Chapter 139.
Department/units should establish procedures for appropriate selection, training, and supervision of volunteers and to clearly identify the volunteer's scope of service.
