Center for Civic Engagement

Guidelines for Students in the Community

“With each passing year, more and more learning takes place outside the classroom. American college and university students travel for academic field trips, community service, athletic events, clubs, and many other purposes. I have no doubt that education is enhanced through such activities, but as we benefit from increased mobility, we must focus on safety.” Myles Brand, President National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Safety Tips: *Be aware of your surroundings at all times.*If possible, travel in groups of two or more to your service site; park your vehicle in a well-lit area; lock your vehicle; do not leave valuables in your vehicle; when necessary, have someone escort you to and from your vehicle, especially after dark; have the keys to your vehicle in hand before you leave your service site.*Be careful with your personal  information (i.e., address, email,  phone number, and social security number).*If you have safety concerns regarding a site assigned for a class, contact your professor immediately about finding an alternative site.

Your cell phone is an important safety device: ICE it! Create a contact called ICE (for In Case of Emergency) and input the number of the person you want contacted in an emergency, preferrably a parent/guardian. Emergency responders will look for the ICE. *Add the UR police phone numbers to your cell phone, and always carry your cell phone with you.

In case of emergency when off campus, seek immediate care or support through 911.
If you need to contact anyone from the University for emergency reasons after regular work hours, please call campus police:
Emergency Telephone: (804) 289-8911            Non-emergency Telephone: (804) 289-8715

A good citizen takes responsibility for his/her own well-being and considers the safety and needs of others. When you are off campus, please remember that you are representing the University of Richmond as well as yourself as an individual.

Volunteers:

If you are acting as a volunteer in the community, it is very important that you act responsibly. Following the guidelines below will help you and our community partners enjoy a productive, mutually beneficial relationship.

  • Ask for help when in doubt: Your site supervisor understands the issues at your site and you are encouraged to approach him/her with problems or questions as they arise. He/she can assist you in determining the best way to respond to difficult or uncomfortable situations. Feel free to contact your professor or the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement with questions concerning your placement.
  • Be punctual and responsible: Although you are volunteering your time, you are participating in the organization as a reliable, trustworthy, and contributing member of the team. Both the administrators and the person whom you serve rely on your punctuality and commitment to completing your service hours/project throughout your partnership. Complete any paperwork, including time logs, required by the site or University of Richmond.
  • Call if you anticipate lateness or absence: Call the site supervisor if you are unable to go in or if you anticipate being late. Be mindful of your commitment, knowing that people are counting on you. Write the supervisor's name and phone number on the back of your student safety card.
  • Show respect for the agencies with which you work: Placement within community programs is an educational opportunity and a privilege. Not only are you serving the community, but the community is also serving you by investing valuable resources in your learning.
  • Respect the privacy and dignity of every person you encounter: Remember that people's circumstances and views may be different from yours. You can learn from others. Respect other people's right to privacy. When talking about your volunteer experiences as part of a learning community, do not use people's actual names.
  • Be appropriate: You are in a work situation and are expected to treat your supervisor and others with courtesy and kindness. Dress comfortably, neatly, and appropriately. Use formal names unless instructed otherwise. Be professional in all your communications, both verbal and written (including email correspondence).
  • Be flexible: The level or intensity of activity at a service site is not always predictable. Your flexibility to changing situations can assist the partnership in working smoothly and producing positive outcomes for everyone involved.
  • Automobiles: Do not transport any community partner clients without express permission from your site supervisor. Be aware that you--not the University--may be liable in the event of an accident.

Responsible volunteers
DON'T report to service sites under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
DON'T give or loan a client money or other personal belongings.
DON'T make promises or commitments to a client they cannot keep.
DON'T tolerate verbal exchange of a sexual nature or engage in behavior that might be perceived as sexual with a client or community organization representative.
DON'T tolerate verbal exchange or engage in behavior that might be perceived as discriminating against an individual on the basis of their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or ethnicity.
DON'T engage in any type of business with clients during the term of their service.
DON'T enter into personal relationships with a client or community partner representative during the term of their service.
If you feel that your rights have been or may be violated, tell your professor, site supervisor, or someone at the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement.If you are involved in an incident, please fill out an Incident Report Form at the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement. We are located on the second floor of Tyler Hanes Commons, or you can contact us by calling 484-1600.