College Policies

Volunteer Policy

  • Responsible executive: Vice President of Finance & Administration
  • Responsible officer: Community Partnership Manager
  • Responsible office: Office of the Executive Vice-President
  • Effective date: July 18, 2018
  • Last revision date: N/A

Associated policies

Policy statement

Portland Community College (PCC) encourages engaging retired staff, faculty, alumni, and community members to volunteer to enhance the services that PCC provides at locations throughout the PCC District. Volunteers will serve at their own initiative and without expectation or receipt of compensation, benefits, or other material consideration for the services provided.

As an Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity institution, PCC provides volunteer opportunities to qualified minorities, women, veterans, disabled veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Volunteers will not replace or displace PCC College employees.

Purpose

PCC recognizes the importance of individuals who perform services in support of the college’s mission without expectation or receipt of compensation, benefits, or other material consideration for the services provided, and on their own initiative.

This policy is designed to reduce the risk to the College of utilizing volunteers, and to protect the interests of the college, its volunteers, and the community it serves. This policy also establishes uniform procedures for engaging volunteers at PCC.

PCC Volunteer Guidelines supporting this policy will be developed to address various issues regarding the engagement of volunteers for services to the college, define the voluntary relationship, its privileges and responsibilities, and clarify the college’s liability for using the services of volunteers.

Scope

This policy will guide any PCC campus, center, office, department, or program that engages volunteers on behalf of the college.

General use and responsibilities

  • Volunteers are authorized to serve at the college in accordance with this policy and applicable laws and regulations.
  • Volunteers will complete a volunteer information and agreement form. Upon successful review, they will be eligible for acceptance to the volunteer position and will adhere to the volunteer guidelines.
  • Volunteers are also expected to follow PCC behavior policies and rules of conduct that protect the interest and safety of volunteers, staff, and students.
  • PCC volunteers are considered public employees by the State of Oregon, subject to Oregon Ethics Laws (ORS 244) specifically with regards to personal gain and gifts.
  • A background check may be required prior to a volunteer being accepted for placement at PCC.

Policy exemption

Current PCC students and individuals serving as non-PCC members of a PCC committee, or as guest speakers, are not considered to be volunteers and are exempt from this policy.

Any questions relative to the intent or application of this procedure should be directed to the designated Volunteer Coordinator who is responsible for interpreting and implementing this policy.

Policy violation

Consistent with existing Portland Community College policies and Collective Bargaining Agreements, violation of this policy and/or its sub-policies may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Complaint procedure

Alleged violations of this policy shall be brought to the attention of the designated Volunteer Coordinator.

Related governing standards, policies, procedures, and guidelines

Definitions

Volunteers
Individuals who perform services in support of the College’s mission without expectation or receipt of compensation, benefits, or consideration for the services provided on their own initiative.
PCC Volunteers are considered public officials by the State of Oregon, subject to Oregon Ethics Laws (ORS244) specifically with regards to personal gain and gifts.