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Part 4. Personnel Policies

Section I. General Personnel Policies

T. Volunteer Policy (Updated 10-05)

1. Policy Statement

Idaho State University depends upon university volunteer support to carry out its mission of education, research, and public service and wishes to ensure that volunteers' relationships with the University are clearly defined and understood by both parties. This policy is designed to reduce volunteer risk and protect the interests of the university, its volunteers, and the community it serves.

2. Who is considered a volunteer:

a. University volunteers are uncompensated individuals who perform work or provide services directly related to the business of the University, to support the activities of the University, or to gain experience in specific endeavors. Volunteers who meet the requirements of this policy are not considered employees for any purpose other than workers' compensation and general liability protection. Therefore, they are not eligible for retirement and health benefits, other than workers' compensation, on a medical only basis, as a result of their volunteer status.

b. Volunteers serve at the pleasure of the institution. Accordingly, a volunteer assignment can be terminated at the discretion of the institution without notice or cause.

3. Volunteer Screening:

a. Each department should establish their own screening process that best meets their needs, as well as develop a description of the volunteer assignment prior to the screening process. A person under the age of eighteen may become a volunteer only with written parental consent.

b. Volunteers must have the necessary training and/or supervision to safely carry out the volunteer work; and, depending on the particular function performed, must meet appropriate license requirements and have a good driving record. An individual who volunteers services in a field which requires a license or certificate must satisfy that requirement prior to performing those duties. For example, a dental hygienist volunteering services must have a current license before volunteering.

4. Volunteer Process

Idaho State University volunteers, as well as their supervisors, shall complete the Idaho State University Authorized Volunteer Services Agreement prior to beginning work and maintain a log of work hours for the purpose of validating workers' compensation insurance coverage. These forms are available in the Risk Management Department, Campus Box 8410. They are also available at http://www.isu.edu/departments/ucounsel/riskmanagement.shtml.