To define University volunteers, their relationship to the University, their privileges, responsibilities, and limitations, and to establish associated procedures.
A University volunteer for the purposes of this policy is an individual who has volunteered to perform certain services for the University for no compensation and has been pre-approved in writing by the University to perform the voluntary services. University volunteers are not considered employees and must not represent themselves as University employees. University volunteers are not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act and are not eligible for University benefits.
Voluntary service establishes the University volunteer as an important resource to McNeese State University. Even though uncompensated, University volunteers are expected to abide by all University policies and procedures relating to their voluntary activities.
Volunteers must be appropriately registered and processed by the Office of Human Resources and Student Employment before they can be formally recognized as a University volunteer. A department wishing to use a University volunteer must complete and sign, and have the volunteer sign, the McNeese State University Volunteer Agreement and Identification Form. The form must be submitted to the Office of Human Resources and Student Employment. If a volunteer is not appropriately registered and processed with the Office of Human Resources and Student Employment, the University may be disqualified from having liability and other important insurance coverage. Depending on the nature and sensitivity of the task, a volunteer may be subject to a background check before they are recognized a University volunteer.
Monetary or non-monetary compensation to a volunteer is not allowed. University departments may reimburse appropriately processed University volunteers for pre-approved and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses arising from their assigned tasks. Departments must fully comply with University reimbursement policies and procedures to reimburse University volunteers.
University volunteers may not participate in the following activities:
A University volunteer’s term of service may be terminated at any time and without prior notice.
This policy is distributed via the University Policies webpage.