Sheridan Student Leadership and Engagement

What is Sheridan SHARES? The Sheridan SHARES volunteer program is an on campus volunteer program intended to support campus events across the Sheridan Community. By providing opportunities for students we hope that they will feel more connected to the Sheridan Community. Sheridan SHARES volunteer Program was developed to create volunteer opportunities on campus for participation and engagement of Sheridan students. It will provide students with the chance to get involved with the Sheridan community by becoming a student volunteer at Sheridan and participate in a meaningful way. Through involvement with volunteer activities, students gain experience, refine interpersonal skills, form new campus connections, and build leadership skills.

Benefits of Volunteering Sheridan SHARES has been developed to create community through engagement. Through volunteering students can work together, meet new people, network and gain new skills and experience. Benefits of volunteering include A sense of belonging to the Sheridan Community An opportunity to build new relationships with staff and fellow students Opportunities to develop skills new skills, and to enhance those skills that you already have A chance to explore new areas of interest A chance for students to participate in events outside their programs to gain skills and networking experience; volunteering is a resume-builder for jobs and school applications An opportunity to gain Canadian experience for International students An opportunity to grow and show your pride in Sheridan College. Outcomes Increased participation and engagement of students Students develop relationships that may be key in future success at Sheridan and with future employment Students develop employability skills, such as communication and information management Students become more aware of Sheridan services Students are exposed to activities that they may not otherwise engage in, increasing their network potential, providing them new opportunities and new skills Students are exposed to Canadian culture allowing them to gain Canadian experience, which will help with employment Students build their affinity to Sheridan increasing the chance of them staying connected as alumni

What types of Volunteer Opportunities are there? Every year, students express interest in becoming more involved with the Sheridan community. Student Leadership and Engagement endeavours to provide Sheridan students with a variety of projects they can become involved in. Electronic communications and print media will inform the Sheridan SHARES volunteers about these opportunities on a regular basis. Examples: Student Services Activities – link to website, Peer Mentoring Academic School Activities – link to websites and newsletters Student Union Activities – link to website Sheridan Community Activities – link to website *Please remember students need to be registered as a Sheridan SHARES volunteer before they can start volunteering.

Frequently Asked Questions Q. I’m a first year student how can I get involved in the Sheridan community? A. The Sheridan SHARES volunteer program offers first year students the opportunity to participate in campus events and activities that provide students the chance to connect with the Sheridan community. Events are run by individual departments as well as Academic Schools. These events and activities are posted on our website (insert address) and direct students to the appropriate department for each as well as the contact person. Before a student can volunteer with an event they must first register as a SHARES volunteer. Q. I have no previous volunteer experience, can I still volunteer? A. Absolutely, this is a perfect opportunity to get some volunteer experience, as well as, build on those skills that you already have and develop some new ones. Q. I am an international student; does this exclude me from volunteer opportunities? A. All full-time students are welcome to register and participate in the Sheridan SHARES Volunteer program. Q. I can only commit to a couple events per year, for a few hours, is this okay? A. We understand the value of the time each student has to give; so whatever time you can share is appreciated therefore every hour accounted for is recognized with our incentive program, which is cumulative during your time at Sheridan. Q. I would like to show my volunteer experience on my resume, how do I do this? A. The Career Centre at Sheridan College is where you will find our Employment Counsellors who would be happy to assist you in reviewing your resume. Click here to take you to the site www1.sheridaninstitute.ca/services/career/www1.sheridaninstitute.ca/services/career/ Q. Can I use the Program Coordinator as a reference? A. Each volunteer opportunity is hosted by one of the various departments, each with its own Program Coordinator. Upon completion of a event that you have volunteered with you will fill out your Volunteer Hours and Task Tracking Form and have it signed by the Program Coordinator. Q. What’s in it for me? A. The Sheridan SHARES volunteer program affords students the opportunity to connect with the Sheridan Community, outside of the classroom. It gives students a chance to get involved in projects and with departments outside of their own.

How Do I Get Started? To get started with the Sheridan SHARES Volunteer Program simply fill in the New Volunteer Data Form and submit it to If you have any questions, please see our FAQ’s page or send an to

Expectations What’s involved in volunteering? Volunteer opportunities will vary, you may assist with an information booth, or help make posters for an event; you can sit on a planning committee or be part of the set up and cleanup crew. You need to ensure that whatever you get involved in you approach it with the same vigour you would approach a paid position. Remember this is a chance to make a great impression on staff and students for a potential future employment or character reference. How much time do I have to commit? The Sheridan SHARES volunteer program does not require you to commit to a minimum number of hours; however, you are expected to demonstrate your commitment and complete the shifts that you sign up for.

Recognition Tracking your time – online hours form As a Sheridan SHARES volunteer you are expected to keep track of your hours and have the person supervising you sign off on them. This will ensure that your hours are correctly tallied and recorded. Please report your hours promptly when you volunteer. You can submit your hours with each event that you complete or after you have built up some volunteer time, it is up you. You must remember that you will only be recognized for the hours that are confirmed. Ensure that your Supervisor signs off on all hours that you have completed, you will only be credited for verified hours. You will receive a letter of recognition at the end of your academic year to be used in your professional portfolio.