UNCW offers the community many opportunities to become involved with the campus. From becoming an usher at Kenan Auditorium events to participating as a research subject in the Psychology Department, and regardless of whether you’re an expert or merely interested in the field, UNCW welcomes your involvement to bring diversity, different learning perspectives, and community spirit to its campus.
All volunteers should complete the HR 1.80 form (http://www.uncwil.edu/sp/Admproc/hr180.htm). Contact Human Resources for suggestions or contact departments/programs of interest to you if you have questions. Volunteers can obtain temporary parking permits free of charge. The department accepting your voluntary services will coordinate parking for you through Parking Services.
Volunteer Opportunities
Below is a listing of some of the volunteer possibilites on the UNCW campus. However, if you don't see something below that interests you, you are encouraged to contact the school or the department to discuss other opportunities.
- Office of International Programs
It is the mission of the Office of International Programs (OIP) to promote internationalization on campus and to make UNCW a more diverse and culturally enriched institution of higher learning. UNCW taught approximately 120 international students from 39 different countries during the 2004-2005 academic year. The majority of these students came from Japan, France, China, Germany, and Canada. OIP offers two unique volunteer opportunities, the Host Family Program and Conversation Partners.
- Host Family Program
Also known as the International Friendship Program, the OIP invites university and community members to serve as a host to an international student who will be attending UNCW. To make the transition easier, OIP encourages families, couples, and individuals to sponsor a student. Unlike exchange programs, where the students live in the home, host families provide a support system, much like a mentor, to the international students who live in on-campus housing.
Possible activities include occasional meals together, assisting with transportation needs, visiting local sights, or simply relaxing and learning from one another about different cultures. Both the hosts and the students develop a personal relationship with someone from a different culture, bringing new insights.
If you are interested in being a host, please call (910) 962-7009. To learn more about this unique opportunity, visit the Outreach link on the Office of International Programs Web site.
- Conversation Partners
If you are interested in international friendships, you are invited to join the English as a Second Language volunteer program. Your interests and the student’s interests are considered when matching the friendships. You would be requested to meet a minimum of three hours per week.
For more information about Conversation Partners, contact (910) 962-7354.
- Kenan Auditorium
Kenan Auditorium hosts a variety of performances during the year, including music recitals, plays, and symphonies. Ushers are needed throughout the year. Call (910)962-2097 for more information.
- Randall Library Reader’s Program
Volunteers are needed to assist visually impaired UNCW students with such tasks as photocopying articles, reading computer screens and pulling books from shelves. You would need to make a semester-long commitment to your student for five to 10 hours each week.
For more information about the Reader’s Program, contact the Outreach/Reference Librarian at (910) 962-7807.
- Tour Guides for Legacy Hall and the Watson School of Art
The North Carolina Teachers Legacy Hall (pdf) , located in the first floor of the beautiful, airy three-story atrium area of the School of Education (pdf) is open to the public and displays museum quality pieces and interactive “niches” that honor the teaching profession, shares the history of P-12 education in the state and highlights landmarks of teaching excellence. The building also features an extensive collection of original artwork.
History comes alive for students as they explore how education has evolved from the one-room schoolhouse to present day campuses, providing them with an opportunity to learn about how schools and teaching have changed over the years and to contemplate their current educational experience. Community volunteers are needed to serve as guides of both the Legacy Hall and the Watson School Art Collection.
For more information call (910) 962-4174.
- Nurse Advocate Board (NAB)
The Nurse Advocate Board (NAB) is a group of community members from a wide variety of professions and backgrounds who share an interest in helping UNCW educate the best nurses possible—those nurses who represent the backbone of our state and nation’s future health care. Your $250 contribution supports the School of Nursing in a variety of ways, providing input as decisions and goals are discussed. Board members serve as advocates and ambassadors for the school with government and community leaders, help facilitate and fund special opportunities for nursing students, such as travel abroad and externships, and help create partnerships with corporations and health care organizations. The NAB meets approximately four times a year. For more information contact the dean’s office of the School of Nursing (910) 962-7410.
- Career Services
While Career Services has no formal volunteer program, it is always looking for active or retired business people to provide classroom presentations, mock interviews, and other business-related activities. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call (910) 962-3174 or e-mail Career Services at careersers@uncw.edu for more information.
