СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+

What is СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+?

СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ is a structured non-academic program that encourages students’ learning through reflection on their volunteering experiences and formally recognises students’ personal development and contribution achieved through volunteering.

Volunteering as defined by as ‘Volunteering is time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain.’ СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ is open to enrolled undergraduate and postgraduate students at СÀ¶ÊÓƵ; It is recommended students begin their СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ journey with at least one year of study remaining before their expected graduation.

СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ is open to enrolled undergraduate and postgraduate students at СÀ¶ÊÓƵ. It is recommended students begin their СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ journey with at least one year of study remaining before their expected graduation.

How can I join СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+?

We are very excited to welcome new students into the program and support you in connecting with your community through volunteering.

The first step is to log in to Career Central and update your student profile. The direct links to the undergraduate and postgraduate pathways on Career Central can be found on the right side of this page under Related Links. To join the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ program we have introduced an e-learning module on Career Central which covers all you need to know to get started.

Let's get started:

  • Log in to Career Central
  • Select e-learning pathway
  • Select the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Award
  • Commence the e-Learning and follow the workflow

Students interested in joining the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ program must complete the e-learning module and get a 100% pass rate to gain access to register for an СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ intake workshop. The СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ intake workshops for future students will commence in Week 2 of Semester 2, 2025. Once students have attended the in-person СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ intake workshop, they will then need to sign the code of conduct and the volunteering acknowledgement prior to commencing volunteer work.

СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Workflow

Complete the e-learning and short quiz, after successfully completing the e-learning and the quiz, students' will be able to register for an in-person СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Intake Workshop. 

1. Register and attend an СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Intake Workshop. Students must register for these workshops on Career Central. These workshops are designed for students to meet other СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ students, reflect on where you would like to volunteer, and be an opportunity to ask our СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ team questions about the program.

2. After completion of the workshop, students will officially be an СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ participant and to proceed in the workflow must read and sign the code of conduct and the volunteer acknowledgement.

3. Find an organisation to volunteer with, we recommend you research the right volunteering opportunity for you. For additional guidance please go to the nest section.

4. Record your volunteer hours on the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ timesheet - complete one timesheet for every 10 hours of volunteering completed. Ensure your volunteer supervisor(s) sign the timesheet and upload it to Career Central.

5. Reflect on your experience - once you have submitted two, 10 hour timesheets you will be able to submit your reflection. Prior to writing your reflection, we strongly recommend you refer to the reflection guide and СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ rubric on Career Central.

6. Repeat step 5 and step 6, As an Undergraduate repeat these steps five times (100 volunteer hours in total) or three times if you are Postgraduate (60 volunteer hours in total).

7. Final Submission – Can be in the form of a written reflection, video, presentation or an approved format of your choosing. The details of what to include in your final submission are outlined in Career Central.

8. Receive the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ award, which will be applied to your academic transcript and the end of each semester.

Find a volunteer role

External volunteering

External volunteering: volunteering is unpaid work usually undertaken with not-for-profit organisations and/or co-operatives that are external to СÀ¶ÊÓƵ. This work benefits both the volunteer and the community and is based on roles that are not replacing paid workers. It is recommended that students ensure they are volunteering with reputable organisations which must provide insurance, training and supervision for their volunteers. Best practice for volunteering dictates that a volunteer role should not exceed 16 hours per week on a long-term basis.

is the peak body for volunteering in Canberra, and has a searchable database that includes online options.

is an Australia-wide volunteering database – you can search for online or Canberra-based opportunities.

Internal volunteering

Internal volunteering: that is volunteering undertaken at СÀ¶ÊÓƵ, usually with СÀ¶ÊÓƵSA Clubs & Societies, СÀ¶ÊÓƵ services and teams. Before internal volunteering may be counted towards СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+, the volunteering role must be registered and approved through the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ team. To register a new internal volunteer role, please see the section below titled, 'Instructions for СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Internal Volunteer Role Registration'.

  • Approved Internal Volunteer Roles:
    • СÀ¶ÊÓƵ Tax Clinic - Volunteer
      • Contact: taxclinic@anu.edu.au
        *Must have completed or be currently studying an Australian Taxation unit to be eligible.
    • СÀ¶ÊÓƵSA Clubs - Committee / Club Member Volunteer
      • Contact: sa.community@anu.edu.au
    • Archaeobotany - Laboratory Volunteer
      • Contact: Dr Anna Florin; anna.florin@anu.edu.au  
    • Bruce Hall - Various Volunteer Roles
      • Contact: head.brucehall@anu.edu.au
        *Volunteers must be a member of Bruce Hall
    • College of Asia and the Pacific - Asia Pacific Week Volunteer
      • Contact: Nicholas, cap.student@anu.edu.au
        *Volunteer must be in the College of Asia and the Pacific & not receiving course credit; applications accepted in November for involvement the following year.
    • Kitchen Garden Program - Various Volunteer Options
      • Contact: Arian, Student.Life@anu.edu.au
    • Let’s Speak English - Conversation Group Volunteer
      • Contact: Caroline, Caroline.henderson-brooks@anu.edu.au
    • Set4СÀ¶ÊÓƵ - Volunteer Mentor
      • Contact: Naia, Student.Life@anu.edu.au
    • Student Communication and Events - Events Volunteer
    • Toad Hall - Residents Advisory Committee Member
      • Contact: Dr Ian Walker, toadhall.thrac@anu.edu.au

Apply for volunteer role approval(Internal)

Thank you for your interest in the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Award program.

Volunteer roles internal to СÀ¶ÊÓƵ need to be registered through the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ program. This means that the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ staff member who supervises the volunteer role will need to apply to register the role. Before commencing this process, please take the time to review and understand the definition of volunteering as defined in the and determine if your position is in fact a ‘volunteer’ role or an ‘internship’.


There are two steps for СÀ¶ÊÓƵ staff to register a volunteering role with СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ so that students can count hours towards their СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Award:

1.СÀ¶ÊÓƵ staff fill in this form: , which includes information about the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement, as well as information about the requirement for volunteers to fill in a volunteer declaration form for the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ Insurance Office. 
a.If you have more than one role, a separate form is required for each role.
b.Once you have submitted the form, you will receive an email from an СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ staff member within 7 business days.

2.СÀ¶ÊÓƵ staff create and email a position description (template attached & available on our website) for the volunteering role to the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ team.
a.If you have more than one role, a separate template is required for each role.
b.In development of your volunteer position description, please utilize the ‘’ toolkit resource to guide you in best practice for engaging and empowering volunteers.

Once we have received the position description and form submission, the role will be assessed, and confirmation will be provided on whether the role may be counted towards the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Award.

If you have any questions please contact Liz at student.life@anu.edu.au. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Getting started

Q: When can I start volunteering for СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ during my degree?
A: You can commence volunteering at any point during your degree. However, it's recommended to start with at least one year remaining before graduation to ensure timely completion.

Q: How do I get started with СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+?
A: Log in to , go to the Pathways section, and access the appropriate СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Pathway (undergraduate or postgraduate) depending on your program. To begin, complete the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ e-learning module, register for an СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Intake Workshop, and attend the session run by the Student Life team. After the workshop, you must read and agree to the Code of Conduct and the Volunteering Acknowledgement. You can only begin logging volunteer hours after attending an intake workshop.


Q: How can I attend an СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Intake Workshop?
A: Sign into , click on ‘Book’, then search under Events. Find a scheduled СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Intake Workshop that suits you and register.

Eligibility and Volunteering Requirements

Q: How many organisations do I need to volunteer with?
A:You must volunteer with at least 2 different organisations. One of them must be external to СÀ¶ÊÓƵ.

Q: How many hours of volunteering must I complete to receive the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Award?
A: To be eligible for the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Award:

  • Undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 100 hours of approved volunteering.
  • Postgraduate students must complete a minimum of 60 hours.


Q: Can volunteering done before joining СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ count toward the program?
A: Yes. You may count up to 20 hours of volunteering completed within three months prior to attending the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Intake Workshop, subject to approval by the Student Life team.


Q: Do volunteer training hours count toward СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+?
A: No. Training and onboarding activities are not counted as volunteer hours for СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+.

Q: What is not accepted as volunteer work under СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+?
A: Volunteering that provides financial compensation above the minimum wage is not eligible. Any formal work experience or placement (paid or unpaid) that is a required component of a course, including those for academic credit, is also not eligible. For more information on what qualifies as eligible volunteering, please visit the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ website, review the available resources including the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Procedure Document (PDF), or contact the Student Life team via email.


Q: Can I participate in СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ as an exchange or study abroad student?
A: No. Students on exchange or study abroad programs are not eligible for СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+.


Q: I didn’t complete СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ during my undergraduate degree. Can I continue it in postgrad? 

A: Yes. If you start a new academic program, you may continue СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ and carry over up to 40 hours of approved volunteer work from your previous program. For more details, refer to the   or contact the Student Life team.


Q: Do I need a Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) card to volunteer?
A: Only if the organisation you’re volunteering with requires it. As of 26 June 2025, the ACT Government charges an $11 fee for a WWVP check. Check with your organisation whether they require it and if they can cover the cost. However, they are not obligated to do so.


Q: When and how will I receive my СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Award?

A: Upon successfully completing all СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ requirements, the Student Life team will update your record in the Student Administration System to include СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ on your official academic transcript. You will also receive a certificate of completion. Additionally, students will be invited to participate in the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Completion Ceremony to celebrate their achievement.

Timesheets

Q: How many hours can I log on one timesheet?

A: Each timesheet should document exactly 10 hours of volunteering.

Q: What if I have volunteered more than 10 hours?

A: You’ll need to submit multiple timesheets in 10-hour blocks. For example, if you volunteered for 25 hours, submit three timesheets: two for 10 hours and one for the remaining 5 hours.

Q: Should I complete my timesheets manually or digitally?

A: Timesheets can be completed either digitally or by hand. Regardless of the method, they must be signed by your volunteer supervisor and uploaded to CareerCentral.

Reflections

Q:How many words should the short reflection be?

A: Each short reflection should be between 200–500 words. One short reflection is submitted for every 20 hours of volunteering.

Q: What should I write my short reflection about?

A:Your reflection should focus on how your volunteering experience contributed to one of the seven СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Development Outcomes:

  • Self-awareness
  • Resilience
  • Inclusion and awareness of diversity
  • Communication skills
  • Community and global engagement
  • Personal and social responsibility
  • Leadership skills and understanding of organisational dynamics

Q: When can I submit my short reflection?

A: You can submit your short reflection after completing and submitting two timesheets (i.e., 20 hours of volunteering) via CareerCentral.

Q: How do I structure my short reflection?

A:Use one of the 14 prompts provided in the . Each prompt will guide you through three parts:

  • Describe a specific experience.
  • Reflect on what happened and why.
  • Explain what you learned from it

Q: How are the short reflections assessed?

A: Reflections are assessed by the Student Life team using the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Reflection rubric (Refer: ). We will provide feedback and either approve your submission or request a revision if it does not sufficiently meet the rubric’s satisfactory standard.

Q: What if my СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ short reflection is not approved?

A: If your short reflection is not approved, you will receive feedback from the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ team. You’ll be required to revise your reflection based on the feedback and resubmit it for approval.

Q: What format should the final reflection take, and how long should it be?

A: The final reflection must be submitted in ‘one’ of the following formats:
a) A written piece of 1,000 words (+/- 10%)
b) A 5–10 minute video, or
c) A 5–10 minute presentation

Q: When should I submit my final reflection?

A: You must submit your final reflection after completing all required volunteering timesheets and associated reflections before the program’s deadline. For Semester 2, 2025, the final submission deadline is 10 November 2025.

Internal Volunteering

Q: Do I have to volunteer within СÀ¶ÊÓƵ to complete СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+?
A:No, it’s not required to volunteer within СÀ¶ÊÓƵ. However, internal volunteering is accepted and can count toward СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ if it meets the program’s criteria and the volunteer role is approved by the Student Life Team in advance.

Q: Can I volunteer anywhere inside СÀ¶ÊÓƵ?
A:Yes, as long as the role aligns with СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ criteria and is approved by the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ team. Internal volunteering includes roles within СÀ¶ÊÓƵ services, the Student Life team, СÀ¶ÊÓƵSA Clubs & Societies, and other university-affiliated programs. All internal roles must be registered and approved by the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ team before hours can be counted toward the award.

External Volunteering

Q: Do I have to volunteer outside СÀ¶ÊÓƵ to complete СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+?
A: Yes. To meet СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ requirements, you must volunteer with at least one organisation external to СÀ¶ÊÓƵ.

Q: Can I volunteer with any organisation outside СÀ¶ÊÓƵ?
A: You can volunteer with a wide range of external organisations, as long as:

  • The work is unpaid and aligns with СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ volunteering guidelines.

  • The organisation is reputable and provides appropriate supervision, training, and insurance for volunteers. 

    External volunteering typically involves not-for-profit organisations and/or cooperatives that are unaffiliated with СÀ¶ÊÓƵ. 
     

International Volunteering

Q: Can I volunteer internationally as part of СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+
A:Yes, international volunteering is acceptable, provided it meets the program's criteria and is approved by the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ team. You must also ensure the role is unpaid, appropriately supervised, and well-documented.

Q: How many hours of international volunteering can I count toward СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+?
A:For undergraduate students, up to 40 hours of international volunteering can be counted. For postgraduate students, the cap is 20 hours.

Reference documents

Use contact details to request an alternative file format.

Key Dates

10
Nov
2025

Deadline to submit your final reflection to finish СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ in Semester 2, 2025. *For those who wish to complete the program this semester.

19
Nov
2025

СÀ¶ÊÓƵ+ Completion Ceremony *For students completing the program in Semester 2, 2025

Related links

Social

  •  
  •  

Contact

Page Owner: Wellbeing