Volunteers

POLICY

Unpaid lab volunteers are a welcomed resource; however, approval is required. Note: Volunteers are NOT compensated, issued computers and/or property, or reimbursed for parking.

VOLUNTEER REQUEST PROCESS (Non-UTHA ONLY)

Before submitting volunteer application:

• All requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks before intended start date (volunteers may not start before HR approves request)
• Faculty (PI) acknowledges/approves charges associated with on-boarding a new volunteer (background charges)
• Faculty (PI) approval and account information should be saved as PDF
• Faculty (PI), or support staff, reviews the Guidelines for Establishing Volunteer Relationships with the volunteer

Then follow the steps below:

1. Faculty (PI), or support staff, completes the Volunteer Request Packet (supervisor signature should be the faculty member approving the charge)
2. Submit the Volunteer Request Form online
3. After steps 1 and 2 are completed, submit packet to Natalia Quintanilla for department approval 
4. Submit finalized packet to DMS HR at least 10 business days before the volunteer start date (copy Daphney Augustin)

Administrative Process

• Daphney documents associated charges to appropriate budget sheet
• One week before the start date, Daphney will confirm with HR the volunteer has been approved with an active UT ID and notify PI/lab staff
• PI or designated lab staff will obtain DMS lanyard from Daphney

Space

Two work stations are designated for volunteer use in HDB Tower on the 4^th floor—one equipped with a computer and phone and the other an open landing space. To reserve either work station, follow directions for reservations on the PSY Wiki.

Equipment, Supplies, and Parking

Computer equipment and phone are not provided to volunteers, with exception of the shared work station on HDB 4. Volunteers may provide their own personal equipment for use in performing volunteer services. Faculty may choose to purchase equipment for volunteers off of their startup or grant funds. Volunteers are not entitled to parking permits or parking validation.

Professional Attire

Faculty should set guidelines regarding appropriate attire for their volunteers. Volunteers must meet the approved dress and grooming regulations as set by their supervisor, ensuring that their dress does not disrupt activities, and is not obscene or defamatory. Volunteers have the responsibility to dress and groom in such a manner so as to reflect cleanliness, modesty, safety and appropriateness for the work environment.

Important Information about Volunteers

Complete information about volunteer policies and procedures, may be found here.