UM Volunteer Program

Now recruiting for Winter Open House and Annual Career Fair!

The UM Volunteer Program connects students with meaningful opportunities to support campus life, build leadership skills, and foster community. Whether you’re leading campus tours during Orientation or supporting university-wide events, you'll play a key role in helping new and returning students feel at home at the University of Manitoba.

three um orientation volunteers stand with smiling faces in front of st paul's college with "We Are All Bisons" signs in hand.

Volunteer at UM

On this page:

  • Why Volunteer?

    • Develop transferable skills
    • Meet new people and build connections
    • Receive a notation on your Experience Record
    • Boost your résumé with hands-on leadership experience
    • Contribute to a positive UM student experience

  • Competency Development

    • Verbal Communication
    • Teamwork
    • Adaptability
    • Initiative
    • Leadership

Volunteer opportunities

UMVP volunteers will support orientation, career fairs and open house events throughout the year. As the program grows, more opportunities will become available.

Volunteer Positions and Duties

Below are descriptions for some of the roles at UM Orientation Events. Click on each one to view more details.

Tour Guide

As a Tour Guide, you will support new students in familiarizing themselves with Fort Garry Campus. Depending on the event, this could include:

  • Campus Tours: 30 minutes, scripted, for small-large groups
  • Personalized Tours: 30-minutes, unscripted (based on student’s Fall/Winter schedule), 1-1 or small group
  • Support for Self-Guided Tours: unscripted, wayfinding and providing directions to new students

Wayfinder

  • As a Wayfinder, you will provide support to event guests. Duties may consist of answering general questions, giving directions, and assisting with event navigation.
  • You may be stationed at an Ask Me table, Info Fair, or other key locations around campus.
  • You will greet students at sessions, presentations, and/or the Pep Rally. Duties may also consist of checking people in, answering general questions, providing directions, and helping to foster an engaging atmosphere.

Logistics Volunteer

As a member of the Event Logistics Team, you will assist with the set-up and take-down of event materials, as well as support. 

Materials may include tents, tables, chairs, signage, etc.

Event Volunteers

Events volunteers help support games and other fun activities during events.

Eligibility And Requirements

Program Eligibility

  • Be a current UM student.
  • Have started taking classes prior to Fall 2025.
  • Must be continuing studies in Fall 2026.
  • Have an understanding of essential campus resources (locations and basic services).
  • Have been on and navigated Fort Garry campus.
  • Be available to volunteer at one or multiple orientation events and attend their associated training.

Volunteer Requirements (may differ based on event)

  • Attend an interview and a training session.
  • Complete a series of online training modules and practice for roles on personal time (max 3.5 hours).
  • Be available on one or more event days for a minimum of 3 consecutive hours.
  • As representatives of the University of Manitoba, volunteers are expected to help create a welcoming and supportive environment at orientation events.

Application and Selection Process

  1. Apply to the UM Volunteer Program 2025/26 intake
    • Note: We review the eligibility of each applicant to the program. Completing the application form does not mean you are in the UM Volunteer Program.
  2. Interviews
    • Interview invitations will be extended to applicants after eligibility is confirmed.
      Volunteer selection will be based on an applicant’s ability to meet the eligibility criteria and requirements outlined in ‘Volunteer eligibility' and 'Volunteer requirements’. Volunteers will be selected on a first-come-first served basis.
    • Note: If you are a returning volunteer, your eligibility will be reviewed and you will be enrolled without an interview if you still meet eligibility requirements.
  3. Those who have been accepted will receive an email that they've been enrolled in the UMVP General Training Package on UM Learn.
    • Volunteers are encouraged to complete the training modules in the course prior to pre-event training sessions.
    • Read the UMVP Instructions for Training Modules in the program overview for directions on which modules to complete for the different types of volunteer roles.
  4. Sign up for events
    • Future events will be announced and posted for volunteers to sign up through our MS Teams Group- UMVP Digital HQ.
  5. Attend pre-event training
    • All volunteer opportunities will have some form of pre-event training.
    • Each event will be a separate pre-event training sign-up and those who have are volunteering for the event will receive the necessary links.
  6. Volunteer at the event!
    • Come prepared for the weather and with all you need for a day of volunteering.
    • Always check-in when you arrive and check-out when you leave.

Leadership Opportunities

Orientation Team Leader

The Orientation Team Leader (OTL) program is a leadership stream within the UM Volunteer Program for returning student volunteers who want to take on leadership responsibilities. OTLs work with the orientation staff to recruit, engage, and support orientation volunteers prior to and throughout orientation and are integral to the coordination and smooth operation of orientation programming on campus. 

Students selected as OTLs gain experience in team leadership, communication, and event planning. It's a great opportunity to develop your skills and make a lasting impact on the student community.

Responsibilities

  • Assist with the promotion of volunteer opportunities and recruitment of volunteers.

  • Provide leadership, guidance, and support to orientation volunteers and new students during orientation programming and events.

  • Assist with facilitating student led sessions, volunteer pre-event training, and group activities.

  • Assist in the planning, coordination, and smooth execution of orientation events.

  • Model professionalism, inclusivity, and enthusiasm while fostering a welcoming and positive environment for all participants.

  • Provide feedback and mentorship to volunteers, encouraging teamwork, engagement, and personal development.

  • Assist with recognition of UMVP volunteer recognition & orientation volunteer wrap-up.

  • Program evaluation survey (approx. 1 hour, completed virtually on own time)

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Commitments

Please read through the important dates below to see if it aligns with your schedule before submitting your application

Weekly OTL Meetings:

  • Virtually or in-person
  • Wednesdays
  • Time:  meetings will run for a maximum of 2hrs; specific times will be decided and communicated to OTLs

Summer Programming:

November 2025 – May 2026: 2 – 3 hours/week

June – August 21st, 2026: 3 – 5 hours/week

August 24th – September 9th: 5 – 15 hours/week

Event Dates:

  • Ready to Roam: July 27th – 31st 2026
  • Prep week: September 1st – 3rd 2026
  • Welcome Day: September 8th 2026
  • Orientation Prep & Welcome Day Volunteer Training: September 4th & 5th 2026
  • Volunteer Wrap Up: October 28th 2026
  • OTL Wrap Up: October 30th 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Currently a student enrolled in a U of M degree program at the undergraduate or graduate level
  • Minimum of 2 years of study at the University of Manitoba (successful completion of 36 credit hours)
  • Returning to study at U of M in Fall 2026
  • In good academic standing (which, for the purposes of orientation, is defined as having a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last three academic terms). Note that confirmation of GPA is part of the selection process. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • In good conduct standing based on the University of Manitoba’s Behavioral Policies. Additional details are available on the application form.
  • Previous leadership or volunteer experience with orientation events preferred

Co-Curricular Record (CCR) Recognition

  • The OTL stream offers a distinct leadership recognition, separate from orientation volunteer roles. 

Application Process

  • Complete the application form (see below).
  • For this application you will be asked to submit a 1-2 page cover letter and resume in Word/PDF format, with a copy of your winter term schedule.
  • Applicants will be invited for an in-person interview. 

 

Want to take on leadership roles?  

Apply here 

Please contact volunteer@umanitoba.ca to be provided with more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can volunteer?

Any current UM student in good standing can apply - no prior experience required.

Do I need to volunteer for all events?

Not at all! You can choose which events you want to support and when you’re available.

Will I receive training?

Yes! All volunteers are trained before participating in events. Support is available throughout the year.

Will I receive a notation on my Experience Record (ER)?

Yes. Many of our roles are eligible for ER recognition. We’ll guide you through the process.

Contact us

Have questions or want to learn more?

volunteer@umanitoba.ca