Volunteer with On-Campus Projects

Examples of volunteer opportunities:

Academic Integrity Matters (A.I.M.): The A.I.M. program offered by the University of Minnesota Office for Community Standards is based on the principles of restorative justice to address student academic misconduct.  A panel of university community volunteers meet with students who have failed to comply with the student conduct code. 

Exergame Study: Researchers from the School of Nursing are testing a Reality Cognitive Training combined with concurrent cycling (Exergame). Volunteers participate in a 12-week study to test a home-based rehabilitation exergame or a home-based stationary cycling exercise. 

Future Gopher Admit Days: The Future Gophers Admitted Day Event series is designed to provide an exciting introduction to the University for newly admitted and confirmed freshmen. In addition to a rousing introduction to the University, the program includes collegiate-based activities, campus tours, a resource fair, and opportunities to connect with students, faculty, and alumni in their college of admission.

Health Consultant - Academic Health Center: Students from Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Occupational Therapy are placed in integrative teams to meet with Volunteer Community Teachers three times during the academic year to gain insight into the needs and concerns of patients or clients.  

Low Vision and Hearing Impairment Spatial Localization Study: Participants are asked to complete an online survey comprised of scenarios and questions about participants vision and hearing status as well as their experiences utilizing vision and hearing to localize objects or people in everyday situations.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study: The University of Minnesota’s Center for Magnetic Resonance Center (CMRR) is home to some of the most advanced MR instrumentation in the world, complemented by human resources that provide unique expertise in imaging physics, engineering, and signal processing. Volunteers participate in research studies to assist in developing MRI capabilities.

Minnesota History Day Judges: History Day is an inter-disciplinary research project affiliated with the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Historical Society. Volunteer judges work in teams to view projects and interview students in-person and online. Judge teams select top entries and provide feedback to all students. 

OLLI Course Proposal: UMN's College of Continuing & Professional Studies, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is well-known for providing "beyond-career" learning opportunities. Volunteers propose a course topic and, if it is accepted, be the course instructor.

Parkinson's Disease Study: This study will assess whether there is greater benefit to completing high-intensity aerobic exercise compared to moderate intensity aerobic exercise in slowing the signs/symptoms of PD. Volunteers complete two screening visits, one baseline visit, and periodic study visits.

Physical Therapy Clinical Education: The University of Minnesota Division of Physical Therapy creates and integrates innovative research discoveries, education, and practice to develop scholarly, collaborative physical therapists (PT) and rehabilitation scientists who advance health care and disease prevention. Volunteers participate in evaluations aimed at educating and informing physical therapists.

Postdoc Mentorship Program: The Office of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Initiatives, in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC), connects mentors with University of Minnesota postdocs. Volunteers mentor postdocs in areas such as academic writing, professional presentations and funding proposal development.

Sneak Preview Days: Sneak Previews offered by the Office of Admissions provide incoming freshman and transfer students a “deep dive” into student life, academic programs and campus resources and tours for prospective students and families. Volunteers assist the Office of Admissions in welcoming prospective students and families to campus for a sneak preview into being a Golden Gopher.

Standardized Client Program at the University of Minnesota Law School: Individuals from the local community partner with first-year law students, instructors, faculty, and administrators to provide educational experiences by bringing the client perspective to the forefront of legal education. Standardized clients are individuals from the community who are coached to recreate the personal and legal history, personality, and emotional state of an actual client. 

Ted Mann Concert Hall Usher Training: Ted Mann volunteers usher for, and enjoy, School of Music concerts and opera, and non-University performance events. Volunteer ushers are expected to work at least one shift monthly.

UMN Self-Adjusted Hearing Aid Study: Results of the study will provide information for the design of a new hearing aid device and its accompanying self-adjusting technology for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Volunteers wear the hearing aids for two 2-3 week at-home trials.

Want to learn more about volunteer opportunities?

Contact [email protected] or 612-625-8016 or find more information through URVC's Better Impact. https://app.betterimpact.com/Login/Volunteer