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Priority IV: Service for the public good |
Volunteer Center empowers public service
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A CMU student resource center has a head start in helping CMU realize its vision of becoming a nationally prominent university known for public service.
The CMU Volunteer Center already offers one of the most comprehensive Alternative Break programs in the nation and is one of the only centers in the nation that encourages lifelong volunteerism through its Issue Day and advocacy training.
But the CMU Vision Statement and CMU 2010, which identify public service as a university priority, have empowered Volunteer Center students and staff to do even more, according to Shawna Ross, coordinator of the Volunteer Center.
“This is a very positive step in my mind because it says we’re serious about public service and are prepared to walk the walk,” Ross said. “If we say that as a university we’re in the process of helping students develop into responsible citizens, we have an opportunity to show them how to do this through public service.”
The CMU Volunteer Center works with students in several areas, including traditional volunteer opportunities, special volunteer events, Alternative Breaks, and the America Reads program.
CMU students are actively engaged in helping others. More than 4,000 students – approximately 20 percent of the student body – are registered in Volunteer Central, the Volunteer Center’s database matching students with volunteer opportunities nationwide.
Ross said the number of students registered through Volunteer Central is only part of the bigger picture of student volunteerism at CMU. Registered student organizations, Greek life, athletics, and residential colleges are among the other campus areas that provide students additional public service opportunities.
CMU has one of the highest rates of volunteerism of any university, with more than 70 percent of seniors reporting that they have volunteered during their time as CMU students.
Ross said the Volunteer Center is planning to increase recognition and support for student volunteers and to increase the number of students registered through the online database.
“CMU has been very responsive to students’ needs, and we want people to tell us in the Volunteer Center what we can do better,” Ross said. “If change isn’t happening, then we’re doing something wrong.”
To learn more about the CMU Volunteer Center, visit www.stulife.cmich.edu/volunteer. |
 CMU student Jenny Chisnell reads along with a child as part of her work with the Volunteer Center’s America Reads program.
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Last Modified: 9/28/2005 10:16:16 AM
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