College student volunteers help serve faculty, staff, patients, and families in a variety of world-class care units at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Varying degrees of patient contact are available; we take pride in having placements that meet the varied interests of our diverse student population. Orientations take place at the beginning of each semester, and we require a two semester commitment to weekly three hour volunteer shifts. We hope you decide to join our team!
Many of our college student volunteers have found the makings of a health career based on their experiences as a volunteer. Others have found volunteering to be a natural complement to their career calling, regardless of the field. Volunteer Services-sponsored businesses generate funds that have been invested into scholarship opportunities for outstanding college student volunteers. Students from all colleges and universities are encouraged to apply.
We Require College Student Volunteers To:
- Have a desire to help others and be a part of our health-care team.
- Make a commitment to volunteer a minimum of three hours once per week for two semesters, as well as meet the demands arising from academic and work schedules. Semesters do not have to be consecutive—students may choose to volunteer for two summer semesters to fulfill this requirement.
- Preregister, attend a Volunteer Information Session, interview, and participate in a departmental orientation.
- Complete a health screening and pass a background check before you begin to volunteer, similar to the process our staff members go through—the screening and check are performed at no cost to you.
- Meet with a Volunteer Services Student Leader Board member to finalize placement details.
Application Process
To become a volunteer, you must first submit an online preregistration application for the appropriate semester.
Fall 2020 Preregistration
On-site volunteer service has been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Information regarding the Fall 2020 program will be available when service has been restarted.
After we begin accepting applications, you may be invited to submit the following preregistration documents in person at the Volunteer Services Office:
- Confidential Volunteer Reference
- Criminal Background Check Initialization Form
Please note that we will not accept these documents until you have received an email inviting you to submit them. Invitations will be issued on a rolling, first approved, first invited basis. Applicants must submit their own documents in person. We cannot accept documents submitted electronically, mailed, or presented in person by anyone other than the invited candidate.
College Student Volunteer Placement Options
We have an assortment of volunteer opportunities with varying degrees of patient contact, and we take pride in having placements that meet the varied interests of our diverse student population. To explore the available placement options, please visit our college student volunteer placement options.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering! We are excited that you're considering joining the team, and we look forward to helping you make your own amazing memories as a volunteer!
Reorientations
Reorientations are held on the same day as the new college student volunteer orientations. Active volunteers will receive an email from the Student Leader Board Chairperson with reorientation procedures. If you are planning to switch unit placements, you will need to preregister to attend reorientation by emailing the Student Leader Board Chairperson. The current Student Leader Board Chairperson is Sheridan Kelly, and she can be reached at sherkelly@healthcare.uiowa.edu. If you do not receive an email from the Chairperson and you need to attend reorientation, please contact volunteerservices@uiowa.edu.
Additionally, all active volunteers are required to annually update their TB test and Competency and Confidentiality Assessment Quiz. You will receive an email reminder 30 days before these compliances are due.
Annual TB tests need to be updated at the University Employee Health Clinic (UEHC, Elevator A, Level 1). Be sure to bring your volunteer ID badge to ensure your records are updated accurately. Once you have completed your TB test, a UEHC staff member will give you a signed pink health screening checklist which you must submit to the Volunteer Services office.
Mentor Program
Have you found success in your volunteer role at UI Hospitals & Clinics? Are you interested in taking your service to the next level and help to improve the patient and family experience? If you would like to play a role in ensuring new volunteers have a successful volunteer experience, we invite you to apply for a mentor position in our hospital.
College Student Leader Board
Gain valuable leadership skills and expand your volunteer experience by joining our College Student Leader Board (SLB).