Help welcome future U of M students
Volunteer at Open House and earn co-curricular credit
On Feb. 23, thousands of high school students from across the province will visit campus for Open House 2017.
All current University of Manitoba students are encouraged to take part and volunteer at Open House. Volunteers act as general ambassadors on behalf of the university and will guide guests around campus leading small groups of students to presentations, fielding questions, and helping guests find their way around the Information Village.
Other volunteer roles include helping with set-up, taking students on campus tours, conducting student surveys and helping out in the parking areas.
Lisa Kachulak-Babey, Director of Student Recruitment, says the time spent volunteering at Open House not only has benefits for guests, but current students, too.
“Students earn a notation on their co-curricular record,” she said. “We also offer a great prize draw and a free lunch in The Hub, plus the opportunity to sit in on a lot of the fun presentations being offered.” Formerly known as Info Days, Open House is a day of events that allow high school students to learn about academic programs, student supports and experience what it’s like to be a University of Manitoba student.
It is broken into two parts. The first is a daytime program directed at high school students. It features mini-lectures, campus tours, and an “info fair” trade-show style event highlighting faculties and student service units. Other activities and recreation options will be held throughout the day. The second part of the day is a Parents Program. This event is new this year and will provide parents a chance to hear information specifically for them.
With Open House offering a number of activities and with over 2,500 students expected to attend, volunteers are needed more than ever to ensure the event’s success.
Students who want to volunteer must be members of the University of Manitoba Volunteer Program and can sign up online before Friday, January 27. The deadline for current UMVP members to sign up for volunteer shifts is Friday, February 10. All volunteers will be trained a week prior to Open House.
“Training sessions walk students through what to expect at Open House and allow student volunteers to get to know one another by participating in role-playing and icebreakers”, said Kachulak-Babey.
Student volunteers are needed for set-up on Wednesday, February 22 from 2-4pm and February 23 from 8am-3pm.
Interested students can visit the Open House website here for more information and to register for volunteering.