College student volunteers help serve faculty, staff, patients, and families in a variety of world-class care units at University of Iowa Hospitals and 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 an orientation, interview, and participate in a departmental orientation.
- Complete a health screening and sign a background check consent form 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
- Print and complete our
application. (Returning volunteers - please scroll down to the reorientations section below). - The application contains a confidential reference form. This form must be completed on your behalf, returned in an envelope with a signature over the seal, and submitted along with your application. This is a required part of your application. Applications are not considered complete unless the back of the envelope is signed and the reference letter is attached to your application in the Volunteer Services office.
- Bring the completed materials in person to Volunteer Services (Elevator F, Level 8) during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) starting on the date listed below. We do not accept applications sent via mail or email, and we do not accept applications delivered by anyone other than the applicant. You must submit your own application in person. Each semester, we are only able to offer a limited number of spaces which are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Summer 2017
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- Applications will be accepted starting Monday, May 1, 2017.
- Orientation is Sunday, June 11, 2017.
- Fall 2017
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- Applications will be accepted starting Monday, July 3, 2017.
- Orientation is Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017.
- Upon submitting the completed application to Volunteer Services, you will be given your preregistration cover sheet with more specific information.
- Should any updates or changes be made to the application or orientation process, we will contact you via the email address you provide in your application.
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 Jeremy Marks, and he can be reached at jemrks@healthcare.uiowa.edu. If you do not receive an email from the Chairperson and you need to attend reorientation, please contact tera-kringle@uiowa.edu.
Additionally, all active volunteers are required to annually update their TB test and paperwork (Reorientation Form). If you intend on changing units, you need to bring your updated paperwork to reorientation. If you are staying in the same unit, you need to submit your updated paperwork to the Volunteer Services office (Elevator F, Level 8) before your first volunteer shift in the new semester.
Annual TB tests need to be updated with the University Employee Health Clinic (UEHC, Elevator A, Level 1). Be sure to bring your volunteer 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 and 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).