We Need You
The Advocacy Service runs two volunteer programs each semester to directly assist students. These are the Exam Support Stall and the Peer Support Program.
Volunteers are needed from June-August and November-January each year.
You can pick the times to suit you. Volunteers are trained and supported by the Advocacy Service, and on request a certificate is issued to recognise your contribution.
Recruitment
Applications for Semester 1, 2013 have now closed. Check back again for Semester 2 opportunities.
Exam Support Stall
Since 2006, volunteers, student representatives and Student Union staff have provided information, advice, referral and support to students at a marquee at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton during the exam period (2-3 weeks in June and November). The stall is coordinated by the Advocacy Service, and staffed by Student Union office bearers and other student volunteers.
Support is provided in the form of:
- Exam supplies such as water, stationery and tissues either free or at a low price
- Limited emergency calculator loans
- Links to where to go for assistance and ongoing support if needed
As a volunteer, you will answer a range of questions, such as the location of facilities, and where to get help with special consideration and academic misconduct issues. You may need to refer students to Student Union and University services such as the Advocacy Service or the Health Service. You will sell or distribute exam supplies and work with other volunteers to erect and pack down the marquee and other equipment.
The next exam period is from 11-28 June 2013. Over those three weeks, we ask that you volunteer for at least two shifts at times that suit you: 8.15-11.15am (2 volunteers), 11am-2pm (1 volunteer), 1-4pm (2 volunteers).
You will be well supported. Usually you will work in pairs, and a resource folder is available at the marquee for you to consult.
Training for Exam Support Stall volunteers for Semester 1, 2013 will be held in the week of SWOT Vac (3-7 June).
Peer Support Program
Volunteers are trained to provide support to other students who are called to a Course Unsatisfactory Progress Committee (CUPC) meeting at their Student Centre. These committees have the authority restrict and in some cases even terminate a student’s enrolment, so the meetings are a big deal for the students involved.
Your role as a Peer Support volunteer is to be available to students at the faculty office or student centre on the day of the CUPC meetings. If a student would like your support, you can assist them by talking with them before their meeting, attending the meeting with them to take notes and debriefing immediately after their meeting.
You will attend training on how to support students, the CUPC process, and how to refer to relevant University support services. You will be assisted by student mentors and Advocacy staff.
To take part in the program, you must have finished your first year, attend the training (usually in the first week of July), and be available during some of the committee meeting period. Shifts are normally broken up into morning and afternoon shifts with regular breaks including a 30-60 minute lunch break.
The next round of meetings will be held after the final release of results, Friday 12 July 2013.
If you are not available for the whole period, but only for a few shifts, we still welcome your assistance.
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Posted Monday 12 November, 2012. Updated Wednesday 12 June, 2013.