community engagement

Best Practices for Working with Students

Community Engagement Separator A slash icon used to separate content For Community Partners Separator A slash icon used to separate content Working with UMW Students Separator A slash icon used to separate content Best Practices for Working with Students
Student discussion in a History class.
Student discussion in a History class.

Best Practices for Working with Students

There are several best practices for working with student volunteers. In addition to being sensitive to their unique needs it is recommended you do the following:

  1. Designate a staff person to serve as a liaison and communicate with student volunteers. Provide contact information (email; cell phone for on-site coordination).
  2. Clearly communicate your expectations for students and your expected timeline.
  3. Provide an orientation and any training required by your program, if needed.
  4. Supervise student volunteers and undertake all reasonable measures to ensure safety.
  5. Provide an atmosphere for learning that is supportive and free of harassment or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation.
  6. Be responsive to communications over email, phone or text from the UMW point of contact or student volunteer (respond to email within 2 business days).
  7. Provide feedback to volunteer supervisor as needed.
UMW students volunteer helping neighbors of the university during Good Neighbor Day.
UMW students volunteer helping neighbors of the university during Good Neighbor Day.

Thank you for your willingness to work with UMW student volunteers! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Sarah Dewees at sdewees@umw.edu.

Community Engagement