Volunteer FAQs

It is recommended that each department or unit establish procedures for volunteer selection, training, and supervision. The department or unit should identify each volunteer’s scope of services and assigned duties in the Conditions of Volunteer Service Agreement Form, or on an additional sheet attached to the form.

No. Volunteers are not covered by Workers' Compensation and are not entitled to employee benefits as a result of University volunteer affiliation. Oregon Tech does not automatically provide volunteers with accident or medical insurance.  It is recommended that all volunteers have private medical and accident insurance. Volunteer injuries should be reported by the supervisor through the Non-Employee Incident Report Form.

Yes, registered Oregon Tech volunteers are provided liability protection while acting within the scope of their volunteer services. Oregon Tech will indemnify and defend volunteers against civil actions for injuries or damage to the person or property of others, subject to the following conditions: (1) the volunteer is working on an Oregon Tech task assigned by an authorized Oregon Tech supervisor; (2) the volunteer limits the volunteer’s actions to the duties assigned; and (3) the volunteer performs the assigned tasks in good faith, and does not act in a manner that is reckless or with the intent to unlawfully inflict harm to others.  

The Conditions of Volunteer Services Agreement Form describes the terms and conditions of volunteer service, the assumption of risk, the extent to which the volunteer will be covered by Oregon Tech insurance, and documents the duties assigned to the volunteer.  A signed Conditions of Volunteer Services Agreement Form is required documentation for all volunteer services.

A new form should be completed every fiscal year (July 1-June 30) for ongoing activities, or when volunteering for a different activity, or when volunteer duties change.

This form needs to be submitted to Human Resources and a copy is to be forwarded to Risk Management; and a copy is to also be retained in the department where the volunteer duties are being performed. Records will be kept in accordance with Oregon Tech retention requirements.

For any Volunteer may perform any kind of services that are required to be performed by a licensed professional (e.g. doctor, nurse, counselor, architect, engineer, dental hygienist, etc.) the Department must first consult with Risk Management.  Generally it will be a requirement that Risk Management have proof of any applicable licenses or certifications on file prior to approving the services by the Volunteer.   

The supervisor should ensure that all volunteers are provided with direct University supervision, as necessary.  The supervisor should inform the volunteer of the tasks for the day and any problem areas.  Supervisor oversight of a volunteer should be based on the activity, age and experience of the volunteer.

An individual is not an Oregon Tech volunteer while performing volunteer services for an entity that is not a University department or program (i.e. non-profit or government agency; contracted third parties; etc.). However, certain events may be both affiliate and Oregon Tech events. Contact Risk Management if clarity is needed as it relates to the volunteer status.

Protecting the safety and welfare of our volunteers is important. Documentation of registered volunteer names, assigned duties, and training related to the volunteers services will assist Oregon Tech in the event a tort claim is filed for which Oregon Tech may need to provide legal defense to the volunteer.  If a volunteer has not been registered by a department or unit prior to commencing volunteer services or if the volunteer's services have not been specified, it may be impossible for Oregon Tech to provide legal protection to the volunteer. 

If the volunteer is performing services similar to those performed by a person in a paid position, departments or units should consult with Oregon Tech Office of Human Resource Services to prevent a situation in which Oregon Tech may be liable for payment of wages and hours under the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

The department or unit may end a volunteer's service at any time and without prior notice. 

The United States has regulations that restrict the transfer of certain information and materials outside of the country.  The Office of Sponsored Projects & Grants Administration can advise and help departments and units navigate the complex environment of export regulations and international laws. University departments and units should visit the Office of Sponsored Projects & Grants Administration website to see if any of the activities of the volunteer might pose an export control issue. The regulations apply even when one is serving as a volunteer of Oregon Tech.      

Yes, but the assigned duties should be thoughtfully considered.  Both the minor and the parent or guardian of the minor must sign the Conditions of Volunteer Services Agreement Form.

Yes.  The volunteer must possess a valid driver’s license. The volunteer must submit a Driver’s

Authorization Form to Public Safety and meet all the guidelines outlined under the Driver Certification Policy.  If the volunteer is involved in a collision in an Oregon Tech vehicle, the department will be responsible for the $5,000 deductible to repair or replace the vehicle. If the volunteer is involved in a collision in a vehicle rented through one of Oregon Tech’s vehicle rental companies, the rental company insurance policy will cover the incident unless the vehicle was improperly operated under the rental agreement or in violation of applicable laws.  

If the volunteer uses a personally owned vehicle in the course of the volunteer’s assigned duties, then the volunteer is required to have personal automobile liability insurance in accordance with Oregon law.  The personal automobile insurance will provide primary coverage for any accidents.  Any Oregon Tech provided automobile liability coverage may apply on a limited basis only after primary coverage limits have been used and only where the indemnification conditions as outlined in the Conditions of Volunteer Service Form apply. An Non-Employee Incident Report Form should be provided to Risk Management as soon as feasibly possible after the event.  

Supervisors should determine the appropriate training for the volunteer based on their scope of services and assigned duties.  Supervisors should also document any training provided.  In general, recommended safety training may include: General and Office Safety, Fire/Life Safety, and Emergency Preparedness.  Supervisors may wish to consult with Environmental Health & Safety and Human Resources on appropriate training.        

The supervisor and volunteer should complete the appropriate forms for International Travel at the Risk Management website and consult with Risk Management in advance of the trip.