Volunteer Services provides a variety of programs to help students as they face real world challenges. Whether you are looking for a volunteer opportunity around campus, around the city or around the world, we can assist you to connect to groups and organizations who could use your help. Come chat with us at Volunteer Services, Room 225 in MacEwan Student Centre, about your interests and check out our resource binders periodically to find current long and short-term volunteer positions. We would love to help you in your search for an exciting opportunity.
Non-profit organizations seeking volunteer support are welcome to advertise with us for free. Submit your current volunteer opportunities to volunteer@su.ucalgary.ca and we will advertise them in our office and Facebook page.
The SU’s six volunteer programs are designed to be flexible and work with your schedule. Some run the entire school year, while others are for specific months. Once you’ve made your choice we ask you to complete and submit an application.
Our current on and off campus volunteer programs and opportunities are described below.
Volunteer on Campus
ADMINISTRATIVE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
It can be difficult to make the transition from being a student to working full-time. While you may have excelled in academics, many employers require proven experience in an office setting.You can gain professional office experience by being part of our Administrative Volunteer Program. You’ll get practical, on-the-job training in a variety of areas, including file management, customer service and event planning by assisting in the Volunteer Services Office.
Administrative Volunteer Program volunteers commit to two hours per week during the academic year (September to April).
Recruitment Time: August to September (and sometimes December and/or January)
CAMPUS FOOD BANK
The SU Campus Food Bank provides emergency food relief to members of our campus community. Since its inception in 1993, the Food Bank has become a major resource for those in need and we are always looking for volunteers to help us meet the demand.By volunteering with the Food Bank you’ll gain practical, operational experience by organizing donations, stocking shelves, packing hampers, interviewing clients and organizing food drive events, all without ever leaving campus!
Campus Food Bank volunteers must commit two hours per week throughout the academic year (September to April).
Recruitment Time: August to September (sometimes December and January)
INFORMATION CENTRE/LOST AND FOUND
Are you a ‘people person’? Do you enjoy assisting others and providing information to campus visitors? When you volunteer at the Information Centre/Lost and Found, you’ll answer all kinds of questions from students, staff and visitors to the MacEwan Student Centre. You’ll also manage our lost and found service and keep the Information Centre updated with information on events and services. If you’re looking for a volunteer experience that fits between your class schedule, this program is perfect for you!Information Centre volunteers must commit two hours per week (between 8:30am and 4:30pm) throughout the academic year (September to April).
Recruitment Time: August to September (and sometimes December and/or January)
Q CENTRE: THE SU CENTRE FOR SEXUAL AND GENDER DIVERSITY
Are you interested in helping create and maintain a safe and engaging space for the LGBTQA+ community on campus? Q Centre volunteers are the heart of our programming and can focus their work on peer support and conflict resolution, organizing outreach events and host discussion groups, or managing social media.Q Centre volunteers must commit two hours per week throughout the academic year (September to April).
Recruitment Time: August to September (and sometimes December and/or January)
STUDENTS FOR LITERACY
Looking to make a difference on campus while developing your teaching skills? Help an adult (either a new Canadian or an adult with disabilities) learn English with Students for Literacy. We train and match you with a learner with whom you will work throughout the academic year. Volunteering with this challenging program may just be one of the most rewarding experiences of your university career.Students for Literacy volunteers meet with their learners at mutually convenient times. Volunteers must commit one to three hours per week (including prep-time) throughout the academic year (September to April). Students from all faculties, not just from English and Education, are welcome to apply!
Volunteers are also needed to staff the ESL Station location. This drop-in program is conducted in a group setting and focuses on practical English skills like daily conversation.
Recruitment Time: August and September (and sometimes December and/or January
Access the Students for Literacy application form here:
VOLUNTEER TAX PROGRAM
The Volunteer Tax Program takes place during tax season (February-April). Volunteers of this program assist members of the campus community complete their tax returns. Volunteers are trained by the Canada Revenue Agency. They also get to work one-on-one with actual clients and gain valuable skills to put on their resumes. Each volunteer will receive a certificate from the Canada Revenue Agency at the end of tax season to recognize their efforts.Volunteer Tax Program volunteers must commit to a minimum of four(4) hours per week during the eight week clinic (February to April).
Recruitment Time: August to January