UM Volunteer Program

Join the Fall 2025 Cohort!

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 the roles available at UM Orientation Events (Ready to Roam, Prep Week, and Welcome Day). Click on each one to view more details.
Note: more positions and descriptions will be added ats the program grows.

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 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 a cheerful 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.

Activities Volunteers

Activities volunteers help support games and other fun activities during prep week.

Eligibility And Requirements

Program Eligibility

  • Be a current UM student.
  • Have started taking classes prior to May 2025.
  • 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 Fall 2025 Cohort 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
  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 help recruit, train, and support fellow volunteers for orientation events.

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.

Required Commitments:

  • 3 – 5 hours/week, July 2025
  • 7 – 15 hours/week, Summer 2025 (August + Orientation days)
  • 2 – 3 hours/week, Fall 2025 (September & early October)

Want to take on leadership roles?  

Apply here 

(This form is currently not accepting responses, please check back later)

Please note: OTL application requirements and process differ from the general application process for event volunteers. 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