I.U. Student Advocate Volunteer

Volunteer Position Description: Student Advocate

Job Purpose

This is a volunteer position that provides mentoring, directed referrals, general advising and support to IU Bloomington students at the university according to the mission of the Student Advocates Office.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

1. Work individually with students, to address specific student problems or provide information related to academic or conduct issues.  Orientation and Training are provided before advocate volunteer takes on weekly shift during academic year of 3 hours. Advocate joins one of two teams:  Academic or Conduct volunteer team.

• Provide individualized mentoring, support and information about university services and policies upon request to students in a confidential setting including:

1. Listen to and help student define problems or challenges to completing academic goals.
2. Provide support and mentoring for students who may be experiencing difficulties which interfere with their ability to complete academic goals.
3. Review a student’s written materials to provide feedback on whether the materials meet intended goals or required criteria.
4. Provide directed referrals for students and others to help them access and make full use of resources on the IUB campus.
5. Assist student in reflecting on his/her personal and academic goals.
6. Review university policies with student so that student has a clear understanding of rights and responsibilities.
7. Help student prepare for meetings or hearings in which the student will make a presentation.

Maintain written files and perform tasks within FERPA and HIPAA rules to protect the confidentiality of student information.  Participate in regular training sessions (generally 4 times per year) scheduled for advocates in the IU Student Advocates Office.  Maintain confidential electronic records of each student case.  Participate in occasional assessment activities such as surveys and tracking documents.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Retired faculty, staff, or alumni from Indiana University; with knowledge of and loyalty to IU.
• Excellent listening skills with a commitment to assisting IU students succeed.
• Ability to work tactfully with a wide variety of personalities.
• Respectful of people from different backgrounds.
• Available to work one ½ day shift per week during the academic year and willingness to make a minimum one year commitment to the position which will be reviewed on a yearly basis for renewal. Serve on a team that focusses on either academic/administrative issues or campus judicial issues.

  Benefits:

  • The opportunity to stay involved with students and others at IU.
  • Zoom appointments are an option when needed or preferred by students
  • The opportunity to share common experiences with colleagues.
  • The opportunity to share knowledge and skills with IU students and to mentor students in need and to learn more about how the university works. Continuing with your expertise as a higher education professional now volunteering to serve the population you care about:  College students.
  • The opportunity to contribute to the mission of the Division of Student Affairs and to the university.
  • A complementary “A” parking permit