Johnson School
Cornell University

Volunteerism

Volunteers are uncompensated individuals who perform services directly related to the business of the college, unit or University. They may be students representing Admissions at Forums, individuals working for a faculty or staff member in a clerical capacity or even assisting with grading papers, etc. These individuals have responsibilities and rights as agents of the University. They are not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act and are not considered employees for any purpose. Therefore, they are not eligible for any University benefits, including Worker's Compensation, as a result of their volunteer association. For additional details, refer to Policy 6.5 in the Cornell University Policy Library at http://www.policy.cornell.edu/vol6_5.cfm. The policy addresses three types of service based on varying degrees of risk; services not requiring a Volunteer Agreement, services requiring a Volunteer Agreement and prohibited activities (services which a University volunteer must never perform). Before recruiting anyone as a volunteer, be sure you understand whether or not a Volunteer Agreement is needed.

The Administrative Service Center needs information on any volunteer. Please provide a copy of the Volunteer Profile, Description of Volunteer Service, Volunteer Agreement and, if a minor, the Parental Consent Form - all available at http://www.policy.cornell.edu/vol6_5.cfm.

Last Modified: June 7, 2004