Volunteer opportunities
Are you interested in volunteering as a UVic grad? There are many ways you can get involved.
Local events
Alumni Relations holds in-person and online events throughout the year. We recommend UVic grads interested in helping first attend one or two events to get a feel for them. For more information about volunteering for a local event, email Kathy Khouri, Alumni Relations Officer.
Communities + Regional Networks
There are alumni communities and regional networks for UVic alumni with events held around the world. For more information on volunteering with an existing alum community or regional network, or supporting the formation of a new group, email Kate Hollefreund, Alumni Relations Officer, Volunteer Networks.
Convocation
Every spring and fall, we celebrate students who complete their studies and become new UVic alumni at convocation ceremonies. Volunteers are essential in helping convocation run smoothly.
Volunteer roles include robing assistants, marshals and greeters (two to four hours needed). Training will be provided by University Ceremonies and Events. For more information, visit the convocation page or contact rsvpcere@uvic.ca.
UVic Alumni Association (UVAA)
The UVAA Board of Directors is made up of 12-15 alumni volunteers who are elected at the UVAA Annual General Meeting.
Board members serve two-year terms to a maximum of six years, and provide a link between UVic graduates and UVic. Board members are keen to serve and encourage a lifelong relationship through regular quarterly meetings, participation at alumni events and taking a leadership role on behalf of all alumni.
For more information about the UVAA board, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.
University boards and committees
Alumni fill volunteer roles for both UVic and the Alumni Association (UVAA). These roles vary in time commitment and require varied backgrounds and experience. Review the list below of volunteer opportunities for university boards and committees.
The Board of Governors is responsible for the management, administration and control of the property, revenue, business and affairs of the university.
There are currently three alumni representatives chosen by the Office of the University Secretary and UVAA and appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
For more information, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.
The Senate Committee on Learning and Teaching works with the executive director of Learning and Teaching Support and Innovation in support of key learning and teaching issues at the university and recommends measures to the Senate.
One alumni member serves four times per year. The committee meets in-person during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Meetings are about one to two hours. Members must be able to attend in person at the University of Victoria. The commitment is three years from date of appointment. Meetings occur in early September, early November, mid-January and mid-March, although these dates can vary.
For more information, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.
The Senate Committee on Honorary Degrees and Other Forms of Recognition considers and recommends candidates for honorary degrees and advises Senate on the criteria and qualifications for candidates.
An alumni member serves four times per year. The committee meets in-person during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Meetings are about one to two hours. For members outside Victoria there is an option to serve virtually. The commitment is three years from date of appointment. Meetings occur in early September, early October, early December and end of March, although these dates can vary.
For more information, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.
The Senate Committee on Continuing Studies reviews and makes recommendations to the Division of Continuing Studies regarding academic policies, proposals for new programs and changes to existing programs.
An alumni member serves five times per year. The committee prefers to meet in-person during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Meetings last about 90 minutes. For members outside Victoria there is an option to serve virtually. The commitment is required for three years from the date of appointment. Meetings occur in early October, early December, early February, April and May, although these dates can vary.
For more information, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.
The Senate Committee on Awards recommends terms of reference for new and revised student awards, considers and approves the recipients of student awards and recommends policy and calendar regulations pertaining to student awards.
An alumni member serves eight times per year. The committee prefers to meet in-person during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Meetings last about 90 minutes. For members outside Victoria there is an option to serve virtually. The commitment is for three years from date of appointment. Meetings occur monthly from September to April, although these dates can vary.
For more information, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.
The Convocation Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Ceremony & Events department regarding decisions on the convocation ceremony.
An alumni member serves once a year in January. The committee prefers to meet in-person over the lunch hour. Meetings last one hour. For members outside Victoria there is an option to serve virtually. A commitment is required for three years from date of appointment. Meetings occur in January, although this date can vary.
For more information, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.
The REACH Awards recognize outstanding achievement of UVic teachers and researchers.
Alumni interested in serving on this committee should demonstrate an interest in research or creative activity; innovation; knowledge in creative, visual and performing arts; and Indigenous-specific research and/or decolonization.
An alumni member serves once per year in mid-November. The pre-meeting process includes reviewing submissions taking 5-8 hours of prep. The meeting lasts three to four hours. For members outside Victoria there is an option to serve virtually. A commitment is required for three years from date of appointment. The meetings occur in mid-November, although this date can vary.
For more information, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.