'Student-Centered Volunteering' in the University System: The Case of CCE at Oregon State University

Abstract

Today, universities wish to be defined as motivators that work interactively with all parts of the society and that pioneer many social changes. Accordingly, universities are expected to determine and execute their education policies in an interactive network based on the needs of all segments of the society. In this context, it is necessity to discuss how universities deliver on their public purpose, and improve infrastructure for volunteer, civic engagement, and other forms of community engagement in and outside the classroom. This descriptive study focuses on the institution and practice of volunteering among students and staff in institutions of higher education. It aims to discover some of the effective management strategies to streamline volunteering efforts, especially the efforts that adopt a student-centered approach. The study also examines how volunteering opportunities are organized and funded within the university system and, how students are motivated and supervised for volunteering activities. The study uses current volunteering practices, which to be managed centrally by Center for Civic Engagement’ at Oregon State University in USA as a “best practice” model to promote volunteering among students.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2015.v5n1p103