Help welcome future students at Open House 2018
On Feb. 22, thousands of high school students from across the province will visit the Fort Garry campus for Open House 2018.
Volunteers play a key role at the event and all current University of Manitoba students are encouraged to sign up and take part. Volunteers will 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 will 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.
“Being involved in on-campus events like Open House gives students the opportunity to build their co-curricular record and gain volunteer service hours,” says Kachulak-Babey. “Volunteers at Open House will also have the chance to take part in prize draws, attend a volunteer luncheon and sit-in on several of the fun sessions being offered by faculties.”
Open House is an annual day of activities that allow future students to learn about academic programs, student supports and experience what it’s like to be a University of Manitoba student.
The daytime program is directed at high school students and features mini-lectures, campus tours and recreation options throughout the day. There is also an information village highlighting faculties and student service units. The information village will continue into the evening, offering parents a chance to visit campus.
With Open House offering a number of activities and with over 3,000 students expected to attend, volunteers are critical 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, Jan. 26. The deadline for current UMVP members to sign up for volunteer shifts is Friday, Feb. 9. All volunteers will be trained a week prior to Open House.
“Training sessions are provided so that all of our volunteers know what to expect on event day, and are prepared to guide students through the event,” said Kachulak-Babey. “There are also some icebreaker activities as well as role-playing scenarios for the volunteers, which is a great way for them to get to know one another.”
Student volunteers are needed for set-up on Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 2 – 4 p.m. and on event day, Thursday, Feb. 22, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Interested students can visit the Open House website here for more information and to register for volunteering.
To learn more about the UMVP program and additional student volunteer opportunities, visit: http://umanitoba.ca/student/studentlife/getinvolved/