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Volunteering 101
We at the UCM Alumni Foundation are dedicated to living the UCM motto, "Education for Service." Alumni can demonstrate their commitment to this motto through volunteerism. There are many ways to volunteer at UCM. You could:
- Speak in a classroom
- Be on a campus advisory board
- Write a note to a prospective student
- Donate clothes to the Professional Clothing Studio
- Find an opportunity that's the perfect fit for you!
Volunteers typically engage through six different categories. Click on the categories below to learn about each of them and what they entail.
Volunteer Categories
Academic
At UCM, our students find their academic home in one of four colleges. As an academic volunteer, you will serve as an ambassador for a specific major or interest area. You will have opportunities to work closely with faculty to provide mentorship for students, host events, give classroom presentations to support the course syllabus or serve in an advisory role.
Event
Event volunteers support students and fellow alumni in three primary ways. Volunteer opportunities are available both online and in person.
- Planning Committee/Outreach - Volunteers who want to be involved from the beginning stages of planning an event to marketing and outreach are encouraged to join a planning committee.
- Host an Event - Do you love entertaining? As an event host, you will work directly with the UCM Alumni Foundation staff to plan an event and serve as the main host. Our Alumni Engagement staff will assist to make sure the event runs smoothly. If you are wanting to host an event independently, check out Party in a Box!
- Onsite/Event Logistics - Be part of the action by volunteering to be on site to assist with setup and teardown, greet guests, check in attendees and more.
Career and Life Design
Career and Life Design volunteers commit to helping students through programs and activities that bring career-focused individuals together for community, conversation and connection. Alumni mentors provide valuable insight and prepare students for a successful future by sharing their professional and personal experiences and expertise. The following are ways to get involved:
- Hands-On Experiences - Help students apply classroom theory in the real world to gain practical work experience. You may choose to offer an internship or allow students to job shadow.
- Information Sessions and Workshops - Provide the opportunity for students and faculty to learn more about your company, company culture or industry as a whole. You may also choose to host a resume, interviewing or networking workshop.
- Mock Interviews - Each semester Career Services hosts a week for students to role-play professional interviews with employers. By participating you will have the chance to scout upcoming talent, introduce your company to UCM students and educate students about what you look for in top candidates.
- Virtual Employer Chats - Can't make a connection in person? Don't worry! Alumni and student conversations and interviews can happen virtually via Zoom, Google Meet or a variety of other options.
*If you have employment opportunities to share with UCM students and alumni, please contact the Career and Life Design Office at recruiter@ucmo.edu or 660-543-4985.
Fundraising
Fundraising volunteers can support students and fellow alumni in various ways, both online and in person.
- Champion a crowdfunding campaign - Do you have a project you are passionate about? Pull your friends together, create a social media fundraiser and share, share, share!
- Donate your birthday on Facebook - Ask your friends and family to make a donation in honor of your birthday!
- Rally your friends! - Come together! It is surprising how much of an impact can be made collectively!
Social Media
As a social media volunteer, you can just keep doing what you do best! Tag friends and fellow alumni in posts you see on UCM's channels and share posts to increase engagement among our online community.
Become a social media influencer for students and alumni alike by generating quality content related to MuleNation and the University of Central Missouri. Consider using these official hashtags in targeted posts:
#MuleNation - Use with alumni events and networking efforts to bring people together.
#MuleStrong - Use with posts that show strength or unity among our community.
#UCMGives - Use with any post involving donations of time or money.
#UCMLegacy - Use with posts involving legacy families and events like visit days, orientation,
move-in day, homecoming and commencement.
#MoOnTheGo - Use with Flat Mo when traveling or just having fun!
#OnceAMule #AlwaysAMule - Use with any retro or flashback posts.
Student Recruitment
Alumni and friends of the university know better than anyone who would thrive at the University of Central Missouri. As a student recruitment volunteer, you will help UCM find the next generation of Mules and Jennies!
- Recruitment Business Cards - Request a free set of customized volunteer business cards and a UCM business card case to help you spread the word about the university.
- Welcome Team - Add a personal touch to the admission process by writing congratulatory notes to admitted students.
- Prospective Student Recruiting - Help our admissions team recruit students at high school fairs, industry events and more.
- College Transition Mentor - Serve as a mentor to incoming students and guide them through their transition to college. Help them make informed decisions about university choices and plant seeds of inspiration through shared stories and professional achievements.
- Regional Student Networking - Leverage personal and professional networks to help students explore higher education opportunities.
Now that you know more about the different ways alumni can volunteer with UCM, check out VOMO (our volunteer registration system) to see upcoming opportunities to serve. If you don't see a current opportunity that interests you, please submit a volunteer need through the Submit Needs button, and we will connect with you directly to discuss possibilities.
