Frequently Asked Questions
General
1) How does OSU reduce risk when involving volunteers?
OSU requires all volunteers to complete applicable compliance steps before beginning service. This includes submitting the Conditions of Volunteer Service form and, when required, completing a sex offender registry check, criminal background check, and/or motor vehicle history check. Volunteers must also operate within their approved scope of service and be supervised by an OSU employee.
2) Are volunteers covered by insurance?
No. Volunteers are not covered by Workers' Compensation or employee benefits. It’s recommended they carry personal health and accident insurance.
3) What is the Conditions of Volunteer Service Agreement?
The Conditions of Volunteer Service Agreement is a required document that outlines the terms under which an individual may volunteer for Oregon State University. It defines the volunteer’s responsibilities, clarifies that the volunteer is not an employee, and includes important legal and risk-related provisions such as liability coverage, assumption of risk, and waiver of claims. By signing the agreement, volunteers agree to perform their assigned duties under OSU supervision, follow university policies, and acknowledge that they are not covered by workers’ compensation or medical insurance.
4) Can students volunteer? When are they considered volunteers?
Students can volunteer. However, when their activity is connected with their field of study, they are considered students and not volunteers. When it is not, they would be considered volunteers if they meet the criteria for an OSU volunteer.
5) Can student interns volunteer?
Internships, unlike volunteer roles, are often tied to academic credit, training requirements, or formal evaluations. They may also fall under different legal frameworks and compensation rules.
6) Are background checks required?
All volunteers are screened through a sex offender registry check. A full criminal or motor vehicle background check is only required if the volunteer role involves specific risk factors—such as working with youth, handling finances, operating vehicles, working with animals, or exposure to hazardous materials.
7) What are the rules for youth program volunteers?
Youth programs must be registered with the Office of Youth Safety & Compliance at least 30 days before they begin. Volunteers in youth programs are required to complete a full criminal history background check, which must be renewed every two years. Volunteers participating in youth programs must also meet youth program-specific requirements that are managed through the Youth Program Registry. Find more information about these requirements, or contact youthsafety.compliance@oregonstate.edu.
8) If I volunteer to drive, is a check required?
Yes. You must complete a motor vehicle history check. The UniversityPolicy: 07-026 Vehicle Use for University Business governs the safe and responsible use of vehicles when used for Official University Business by Authorized Drivers.
9) Are volunteers paid or compensated?
No. Volunteer service is given without expectation of pay, benefits, or future employment.
10) What if someone is injured while volunteering?
In an emergency, call 911. If a volunteer is involved in an accident or exposed to a potential liability situation, they must inform their OSU supervisor as soon as possible. The supervisor must report via the OSU incident portal.
11) What happens if a volunteer refuses to sign the required forms?
Signing all required compliance forms, including the Conditions of Volunteer Service Agreement and any necessary background check authorizations, is a mandatory part of volunteering with Oregon State University. This is university policy designed to protect both volunteers and the university by clarifying responsibilities, risks, and legal protections. If a volunteer refuses to sign these forms, they will not be permitted to participate in volunteer activities at OSU.
Volunteer Service Units
1) How do I get a volunteer opportunity approved?
Follow the steps outlined in the training manual: Create an Opportunity
2) How often should the Conditions of Volunteer Service Agreement be completed?
Volunteers complete the Conditions of Volunteer Service Agreement when they begin volunteering through the Volunteer Hub. This agreement applies to all volunteer opportunities the volunteer participates in and remains valid for 12 months. After 12 months, the volunteer must complete a new agreement to continue volunteering.
3) Can a volunteer be removed from service?
Yes. A unit may end a volunteer’s service at any time, without prior notice. However, this decision must never be based on protected characteristics such as age, race, religion, gender, color, nationality, pregnancy, or any other protected status.
Volunteers
1) How do I find or apply for a volunteer opportunity?
After creating a profile in the Volunteer Hub, you can browse and apply for available volunteer opportunities published there. You can also contact the department or program directly for more information.
2) What safety training is available?
Contact your Program Manager to learn about and receive the safety training required for your volunteer role.
3) Am I protected from personal liability while volunteering?
Yes. OSU provides liability protection to registered volunteers who perform authorized tasks assigned by an OSU supervisor, act within the scope of those duties, and carry out their tasks in good faith without reckless or intentional harm.
4) What if I get hurt while volunteering?
In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately. All incidents should be reported to your Program Manager as soon as possible. The Program Manager must report via the OSUincident portal. Please note that volunteers are not eligible for Workers’ Compensation coverage. For more information on insurance, contact Insurance and Risk Management Services at risk@oregonstate.edu.
