Volunteer FAQ

General

  1. What is the definition of an ISU volunteer?

    A volunteer is an individual who performs services in furtherance of the humanitarian, educational, or service mission of the university. A volunteer performs services without promise, expectation or receipt of compensation, benefits or consideration for the services provided. Although compensation for volunteer services is not allowed, ISU volunteers who have received prior department/unit approval may be reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses following university reimbursement guidelines (see ISU Policy Library - Volunteers).

    An ISU volunteer may be a member of the public, ISU employee, or student who is enrolled at ISU and wishes to volunteer to an ISU department, unit or program. When providing volunteer services, a volunteer is not acting as an ISU employee, is not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and is not eligible for university benefits or workers' compensation. A volunteer should not perform services that are standardly performed by a person in a paid ISU position.

  2. Are volunteers to affiliate organizations considered to be ISU volunteers?
    No, if they are performing volunteer services for an entity that is not a university department or program. Examples of affiliated organizations include Iowa State University Foundation, Alumni Association and Iowa State Center. Some events may be both affiliate and ISU events. Contact ORM's youth and volunteer programs manager if you have questions.

  3. Can children under the age of 18 become approved ISU volunteers?
    Yes. Volunteers who are 15 through 17 years of age must also have a parent/guardian sign the volunteer service agreement prior to performing any services. Volunteers under the age of 15 must have a parent/guardian sign the volunteer service agreement and must be under the supervision of a parent/guardian at all times during the volunteer service.

  4. Are volunteers covered by Workers' Compensation or entitled to university benefits?
    No. If a volunteer is injured while acting within the course of their university assigned services and the injury was caused by the university's negligence, the volunteer may file a claim against the university under the Iowa Tort Claims Act. Departments/units may contact ORM concerning the purchase of special accident/medical insurance for approved volunteers.

  5. Who owns materials created by a volunteer?
    Upon signing a volunteer service agreement, a volunteer agrees that any intellectual property created as part of their volunteer service is owned by the university, unless a separate written agreement exists. Volunteers also agree to protect and maintain confidentiality of the research products of faculty, staff and students, and that they will not use data or research of ISU employees without permission and appropriate attribution of credit.

  6. Can the services of a volunteer be terminated?
    Yes, the volunteer or the department/unit may end volunteer service at any time and without prior notice. All volunteer service opportunities must be renewed annually through Cy Check.
     

For Volunteers

  1. How do I apply for a volunteer opportunity?
    Please contact the department/unit of interest for information about available volunteer opportunities. The Office of Risk Management provides assistance to the department/unit in approving volunteers and volunteer opportunities.
     
  2. What happens if I am injured while volunteering?
    Volunteers who require emergency care should dial 911. If the injury or illness is not an emergency, volunteers should contact their volunteer supervisor immediately. When providing volunteer services, an individual is not acting as an ISU employee, is not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and is not eligible for university benefits or workers' compensation. However, under the Iowa Tort Claims Act, Iowa Code, Chapter 669, claims may be filed against the State on account of the negligence of the University or its employee(s) while acting within the scope of their volunteer service responsibilities.
     

For Departments/Units

  1. How do I get a volunteer opportunity approved?
    See Volunteer Procedures for information on the submission and approval process.
     
  2. Is my department/unit or the university liable for the negligent acts or omissions of a volunteer?
    Yes, the university is responsible whenever a volunteer is acting on behalf of the university and within the scope of their volunteer services. ISU is not responsible for criminal or intentional misconduct of a volunteer, but may be responsible for negligent selection or supervision of a volunteer. Departments/units should establish procedures for appropriate selection, training and supervision of volunteers and to clearly identify the volunteer's scope of service. When acting on behalf of the university and within the scope of their services, a volunteer is protected against personal liability by the Iowa Tort Claims Act, Iowa Code Chapter 669, and the Federal Volunteer Protection Act, 42 United States Code Chapter 139.
     
  3. How do export control regulations apply to volunteers?
    Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) prohibit the export of specified technology and related technical information to certain foreign nations and their citizens. Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) regulations prohibit economic activities with certain listed countries, entities and individuals. These rules apply to a foreign citizen living in the United States and serving as a volunteer to ISU. University departments/units with international volunteers should contact the Office of Research Ethics if they have any questions or concerns that international volunteers may have access to controlled items or information.

 

 

 

 

 

     

     

    Contact

    Youth and Volunteer Programs Coordinator
    isuvolunteer@iastate.edu
    515-294-7711