Volunteer Resources

• Dive Deeper. Expand your WashU knowledge beyond the area your advisory board or network supports. Use the resources on this page to familiarize yourself with the university as a whole. The more you know, the more successful you will be as a volunteer!
• Engage meaningfully.  We recognize that your level of engagement with WashU is highly personal. Participate in volunteer activities with enthusiasm, and if there’s a particular area you’d like to get involved in, ask! We want to make the best use of your time, energy, and talents, and contributing in ways that are meaningful to you will ultimately make the most impact on WashU.
• Give back.  Our goal is to achieve 100% annual giving participation from our volunteers. Provide philanthropic support to the area affiliated with your volunteer role(s) through annual fund contributions; a stretch gift at a financial level of personal significance; support for campaign goals and initiatives; and/or a planned gift.
• Be a constant champion.  Take pride in and advocate for WashU. Spread the word about WashU’s positive impact on our region and the world.
• Provide counsel. As a representative of the broader WashU community, you can assist WashU leaders in realizing their goals. Your perspectives and advice are meaningful and valuable assets – don’t hesitate to share them!
• It’s okay to say no.  Before committing to a new opportunity, ensure you understand the role’s minimum expectations. Review the written job description, if there is one, and consider whether you have the time, capacity, and interest to take on the position.
  
  As volunteer leaders, you extend and strengthen our philanthropic reach through your networks.  Your partnership — providing philanthropic support, offering professional insight and expertise, and serving as advocates — is essential to the success of our institution. We are thankful for your service and look forward to succeeding together.

The purpose of the following code of conduct is to ensure that the Washington University (WashU) volunteer experience on behalf of University Advancement is meaningful, productive, and safe for all participants. We require each volunteer to read and accept this Volunteer Code of Conduct and the Washington University Code of Conduct in order to be eligible to participate in WashU Alumni Association and University Advancement volunteer opportunities.

By serving as a volunteer, you acknowledge and agree to this University Advancement Volunteer Code of Conduct.

The WashU network of volunteers consists of thousands of extremely talented and dedicated individuals, ranging from members of school advisory boards, to networks representatives, to alumni leaders, and more. Although the specific needs and purpose of each volunteer community may vary based on the school, industry, or community it supports, all of our volunteers come together to support one common goal: to advance the mission and goals of the institution through counsel, advocacy, and financial support.  

Having such an expansive volunteer community allows each individual to contribute in ways that are most meaningful to them, creating a collaborative and supportive environment where volunteers combine their unique talents for maximum impact. There are several ways volunteers can advance the priorities of WashU: 

• Providing professional insight and expertise to institutional leaders, faculty, and students. 
• Serving as compelling advocates and representatives. 
• Extending and strengthening the institution’s philanthropic reach through personal and/or professional networks. 
• Actively supporting the institution philanthropically through: 
  • annual gifts; stretch gift(s) at a financial level of personal significance;  prioritizing campaign goals and initiatives;
  • and/or considering a planned gift. 
• Participating in fundraising initiatives, such as: 
  • solicitation of gifts/gift solicitation prospect identification and introduction to University Advancement staff; 
  • acknowledgement and recognition of gifts. 
• Hosting and participating in meetings, dinners, events, etc. 
• Attending and participating in advisory board/council meetings; coming prepared to meetings by reviewing agendas and any reading materials in advance to facilitate meaningful discussion with fellow members and leadership. 
• Networking with fellow WashU volunteers to expand knowledge of institutional programs and initiatives and broaden areas of interest. 
• Review and embrace the Volunteer Code of Conduct.