Office of Student Affairs

Volunteering is generally defined as offering time, effort, and service to an organization or cause without receiving monetary compensation. Here are some key elements that constitute volunteering:

1. Unpaid Work: Volunteering is typically unpaid. Volunteers may receive reimbursement for expenses, but they do not receive a salary or wages.
2. Personal Choice: Volunteering is done by choice, without coercion or obligation.
3. Community Benefit: Volunteer activities aim to benefit a community, organization, or cause, rather than for-profit ventures.
4. Skill and Time: Volunteers offer their skills, experience, and time. This can range from a few hours a week to full-time commitments over a long period.

Examples of volunteering activities include:

• Helping out at a local food bank or shelter.
• Participating in environmental cleanups.
• Tutoring or mentoring students.
• Assisting with events like The Big Event and Make a Difference Day.
• Volunteering at hospitals or nursing homes.
• Providing pro bono professional services (e.g., legal advice, graphic design).

Students can stay connected with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement on TAMIU Presence to find volunteer opportunities. Our office promotes various volunteer opportunities that different agencies share with us to promote to our students. Additionally, students can contact different agencies directly to inquire about volunteer opportunities through our Community Partner Database.

No, you are not limited to participating only in the volunteer opportunities promoted by TAMIU. Students are encouraged to seek out opportunities in their local, state, or national communities. You can volunteer anywhere. Remember to keep track of your volunteer hours by organizing and saving any certificates or letters that verify your community service.

You can find online volunteer opportunities through various platforms and organizations. Here are some options to explore:

1. VolunteerMatch: A platform that connects volunteers with virtual and in-person opportunities.
2. Idealist: Lists a variety of online volunteer opportunities from nonprofit around the world.
3. Catchafire: Matches volunteers with nonprofit needing specific skills, such as graphic design, marketing, and more.
4. United Nations Volunteers: Offers online volunteering opportunities that support sustainable development worldwide.
5. Points of Light: Provides a variety of virtual volunteering options.
6. Crisis Text Line: Train to become a crisis counselor and provide support via text messages.
7. Translators Without Borders: Volunteers provide translation services to support humanitarian efforts.
8. Smithsonian Digital Volunteers: Transcription Center: Volunteers help us make historical documents and biodiversity data more accessible

These platforms can help you find ways to make a difference from anywhere, allowing you to contribute your skills and time to causes you care about.

Be sure to save all certificates of completion so you can upload them as proof when submitting your hours on TAMIU Presence.

No, you are not allowed to "double dip" your hours. However, you can split your hours and make two submissions. For example, if you received 6 service hours from volunteering at the animal shelter, you can make one submission of 3 hours for your scholarship and then make another submission of 3 hours to your student organization.

No, court-mandated community service hours cannot be submitted on TAMIU Presence. The platform is designed to track voluntary community service and engagement activities. It is important to distinguish between voluntary service and court-mandated service, as they are intended for different purposes and may have different requirements. If you have court-mandated community service hours, please follow the specific reporting procedures outlined by the court or your legal advisor.

No, community service hours are not required to graduate from TAMIU. However, engaging in community service can enrich your college experience, provide valuable skills, and enhance your resume. While it is not a graduation requirement, participating in community service is highly encouraged.