Volunteer opportunities
Are you interested in volunteering as a UVic grad? There are many ways you can get involved.
Local events
Alumni Relations holds in-person and online events throughout the year. We recommend UVic grads interested in helping first attend one or two events to get a feel for them. For more information about volunteering for a local event, email Kathy Khouri, Alumni Relations Officer.
Communities + regional networks
There are alumni communities and regional networks for UVic alumni with events held around the world. For more information on volunteering with an existing alum community or regional network, or supporting the formation of a new group, email Kate Hollefreund, Alumni Relations Officer, Volunteer Networks.
Convocation
Every spring and fall, we celebrate students who complete their studies and become new UVic alumni at convocation ceremonies. Volunteers are essential in helping convocation run smoothly.
Volunteer roles include robing assistants, marshals and greeters (two to four hours needed). Training will be provided by University Ceremonies and Events. For more information, visit the convocation page or contact rsvpcere@uvic.ca.
Faculties and campus units
University faculties and campus units offer a variety of ways for alumni to get involved, from mentoring students and sharing career insight to speaking at events and serving on advisory boards. Opportunities vary by faculty and may be one-time, short-term or ongoing. Explore opportunities by faculty below.
Share your expertise, experience and ideas to help advance accessibility and inclusive innovation.
CanAssist volunteers and advisors contribute in a variety of ways, including:
- Mentor students and emerging professionals by sharing your experience, providing guidance and supporting their growth and development.
- Share your expertise or lived experience through talks, workshops, panels and other learning opportunities related to disability, accessibility and inclusive innovation.
- Contribute to projects and programs by bringing your knowledge and perspective to solutions that respond to real-world accessibility needs.
- Support research, design and testing of technologies, services and approaches that improve accessibility.
- Build connections and partnerships with organizations, employers, researchers, funders and community partners.
- Contribute specialized skills to help tackle accessibility challenges and turn ideas into practical solutions.
CanAssist Advisory Council
The CanAssist Advisory Council brings together leaders, experts, community members and people with relevant lived experience to provide strategic insight, help shape priorities and strengthen CanAssist’s impact.
Interested in getting involved? Contact carolinacortes@uvic.ca to explore an opportunity that aligns with your interests, experience and strengths.
Alumni Career Conversations
Support fellow UVic alumni by sharing your career experience and perspective through a one-on-one conversation. Volunteers are matched with alumni seeking career insight based on their interests, industry or career goals.
Time commitment: Approximately 30 minutes per conversation. Volunteer for one conversation or several throughout the year, virtually or in person.
Sign up for Alumni Career Conversations.
For more information, contact Kerry Vaughan, UVic Alumni Career Educator, at kerrysvaughan@uvic.ca.
Alumni can support lifelong learning by sharing their experience and expertise, helping shape programs and connecting learners with career and industry opportunities.
- Serve on an advisory committee
Help shape program direction and ensure offerings remain relevant to industry and community needs. Opportunities are open to graduates of Continuing Studies programs and UVic alumni with relevant sector expertise.
- Support career development
Take part in employer panels, networking events or career conversations, or help create work-integrated learning opportunities for Continuing Studies students and alumni. Explore career events.
- Share your story
Share your Continuing Studies experience through a written or video testimonial and help showcase the impact of lifelong learning on people's lives and careers.
- Serve on the Senate Committee on Continuing Studies
Graduates of UVic Continuing Studies programs may also be eligible to serve on the Senate Committee on Continuing Studies. See the University boards and committees section below for more information.
Contact Trish Atchison, Administrative Manager, at tatchiso@uvic.ca to get involved.
Event volunteer support
Support students and the faculty by getting involved in key events throughout the year.
As a volunteer, you may:
- Connect with students and support their learning and development by sharing your experience and perspective
- Build connections across the ECS community, including students, alumni and industry partners
- Help create a welcoming and inclusive community
- Assist with event delivery and logistics
Spring Forward Celebration (February)
Celebrates women and gender-diverse students, staff and faculty in Engineering and Computer Science through guest speakers, activities and opportunities to connect.
Engineering Design Showcase (April)
Presented in partnership with Rainhouse Manufacturing Canada Ltd., this event highlights capstone student projects and brings together students, faculty, alumni and industry.
Health Technology Showcase (October or November)
Showcases innovation in biomedical engineering through student projects and presentations.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (December)
Observed annually at UVic and organized by the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, this event honours the lives of the 14 women killed on Dec. 6, 1989, at École Polytechnique de Montréal. It creates space for reflection, commemoration and renewed commitment to addressing gender-based violence, and brings the university community together to learn, reflect and build community.
Time commitment: One-time, event-based opportunities (typically a few hours per event).
Contact Anna Kobb, Community Partnerships Officer, to get involved.
- Mentorship Program
Support current students by sharing your experience, offering career insight and building meaningful connections.
Time commitment: Approximately six months, with monthly meetings.
Learn more about the Gustavson mentorship program.
- Gustavson Advisory Board
The Gustavson Advisory Board brings together business leaders who provide strategic insight and help strengthen connections between the school and the broader business community. Members raise Gustavson’s profile and engage with students through guest lectures and program input, ensuring programs remain aligned with industry needs and trends.
The board is currently full.
If you’re interested in future opportunities, please contact Ivan Watson, Connections Manager.
UVic Alumni Association (UVAA)
The UVAA Board of Directors is made up of 12-15 alumni volunteers who are elected at the UVAA Annual General Meeting.
Board members serve two-year terms to a maximum of six years, and provide a link between UVic graduates and UVic. Board members are keen to serve and encourage a lifelong relationship through regular quarterly meetings, participation at alumni events and taking a leadership role on behalf of all alumni.
For more information about the UVAA board, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.
University boards and committees
Alumni fill volunteer roles for both UVic and the Alumni Association (UVAA). These roles vary in time commitment and require varied backgrounds and experience. Review the list below of volunteer opportunities for university boards and committees.
The Board of Governors is responsible for the management, administration and control of the property, revenue, business and affairs of the university.
There are currently three alumni representatives chosen by the Office of the University Secretary and UVAA and appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
For more information, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.
The Senate Committee on Learning and Teaching works with the executive director of Learning and Teaching Support and Innovation in support of key learning and teaching issues at the university and recommends measures to the Senate.
One alumni member serves four times per year. The committee meets in-person during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Meetings are about one to two hours. Members must be able to attend in person at the University of Victoria. The commitment is three years from date of appointment. Meetings occur in early September, early November, mid-January and mid-March, although these dates can vary.
For more information, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.
The Senate Committee on Honorary Degrees and Other Forms of Recognition considers and recommends candidates for honorary degrees and advises Senate on the criteria and qualifications for candidates.
An alumni member serves four times per year. The committee meets in-person during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Meetings are about one to two hours. For members outside Victoria there is an option to serve virtually. The commitment is three years from date of appointment. Meetings occur in early September, early October, early December and end of March, although these dates can vary.
For more information, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.
The Senate Committee on Continuing Studies reviews and makes recommendations to the Division of Continuing Studies regarding academic policies, proposals for new programs and changes to existing programs.
An alumni member serves five times per year. The committee prefers to meet in-person during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Meetings last about 90 minutes. For members outside Victoria there is an option to serve virtually. The commitment is required for three years from the date of appointment. Meetings occur in early October, early December, early February, April and May, although these dates can vary.
For more information, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.
The Senate Committee on Awards recommends terms of reference for new and revised student awards, considers and approves the recipients of student awards and recommends policy and calendar regulations pertaining to student awards.
An alumni member serves eight times per year. The committee prefers to meet in-person during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Meetings last about 90 minutes. For members outside Victoria there is an option to serve virtually. The commitment is for three years from date of appointment. Meetings occur monthly from September to April, although these dates can vary.
For more information, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.
The Convocation Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Ceremony & Events department regarding decisions on the convocation ceremony.
An alumni member serves once a year in January. The committee prefers to meet in-person over the lunch hour. Meetings last one hour. For members outside Victoria there is an option to serve virtually. A commitment is required for three years from date of appointment. Meetings occur in January, although this date can vary.
For more information, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.
The REACH Awards recognize outstanding achievement of UVic teachers and researchers.
Alumni interested in serving on this committee should demonstrate an interest in research or creative activity; innovation; knowledge in creative, visual and performing arts; and Indigenous-specific research and/or decolonization.
An alumni member serves once per year in mid-November. The pre-meeting process includes reviewing submissions taking 5-8 hours of prep. The meeting lasts three to four hours. For members outside Victoria there is an option to serve virtually. A commitment is required for three years from date of appointment. The meetings occur in mid-November, although this date can vary.
For more information, email Wendy Reid, Assistant to the Director and Alumni Association.