A UMSI volunteer is a person who freely offers to contribute to a UMSI activity, task, or service without being paid. Examples of volunteers may include members of advisory boards, mentorship programs, guest speakers, and event volunteers.

Overview 

At UMSI, our mission is to “create and share knowledge so that people will use information — with technology — to build a better world.” 

We know that we can accomplish this only through a broad and dedicated community, including the many volunteers who contribute in rich and varied ways to UMSI.

Volunteer opportunities at UMSI vary widely, and this UMSI Volunteer Expectations Statement applies to all who volunteer with or for UMSI, regardless of location or capacity. 

If you have any questions about this UMSI Volunteer Expectations Statement, you are encouraged to reach out to Devon Keen, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at [email protected]. 

Volunteer Expectations

As a volunteer with UMSI, you are a partner in our core mission. Your actions can have an impact not only on the UMSI community and U-M but also on the broader society. By representing UMSI and U-M, you are a steward of our mission and goals and are expected to be responsible representatives to the Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S., and global communities.

Expectations:

• Review and understand the UMSI mission and values. We are a school that deeply values the diverse identities, cultures, and religions of our community and expect volunteers to do the same.
• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and U-M policies for volunteers.
• Abstain from harassment or bullying of any other U-M community member (either in face-to-face interactions, through social media or other communication channels). This includes but is not limited to harassment or bullying on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
• Never retaliate against individuals, UMSI staff members or other volunteers, who report allegations of inappropriate conduct (including but not limited to abuse; neglect; assault; harassment; sexual assault, or harassment).

Volunteers’ Action Steps for Concerns: 

• Report general concerns or troubling interactions and situations through the feedback and concerns email and share them directly with your primary UMSI volunteer contact. If it is an emergency, call 911.
• Report discrimination and/or harassment prohibited by university to the Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office (ECRT). 

When Our Expectations are Not Met by Volunteers:

We trust that our volunteers, as extended members of the UMSI community, have the best intentions. When expectations are not met, UMSI leadership has the discretion to enact consequences or interventions that reflect our values of compassion, empathy, and understanding. 

Possible actions may include:

• Offering a restorative approach/process.
• Suspending the volunteer engagement.
• Removing the individual from the UMSI volunteer role.

UMSI leadership will also prioritize clear communication and understanding of the situation with the UMSI community within the constraints of confidentiality.