Osher Institute Volunteer Interest Form

TODAY'S DATE:

YYYY

Name and Contact Information

FIRST NAME:(Required)

LAST NAME:(Required)

EMAIL ADDRESS:(Required)

PREFERRED PHONE NUMBER:(Required)

Volunteer Activities – Small Time Commitment (1/2 hour to 2 hours)

Volunteer Activities with small time commitment

Greeter (Approx. time: 1/2 hour before your registered class)
• Welcome your fellow Osher members as they arrive to class
• Distribute handouts and offer directions to the classroom.
• Serve as a resource for members who have questions or need assistance.
• Straighten chairs and tidy classroom after programs.

Photography (Approx. time: 1/2 hour during your registered class)
• Help the Osher Institute photograph our offerings and activities for potential use on our website and in future slideshows and catalogs.
• Must own and be knowledgeable about using a digital camera.
• Take photos independently at 1-2 of your registered offerings.

Campus Food Pantry Assistance (Approx. time: 1 hour for each scheduled date)
• Assist with delivery of donations to the Campus Food Pantry every other Friday.
• Use of own transportation and lifting are required.

Check-In Table (Approx. time: 1/2 hour before your registered class)
• Assist the Osher Institute with checking in registered members before the start of classes and lectures as deemed necessary by the Osher office.

Osher Library Tidy and Shift (Approx. time: 1/2 hour)
• Sort through donations to the Osher Library and keep the three bookshelves straightened.

Volunteer Activities – Medium Time Commitment (2+ hours multiple times a year)

Volunteer Activities with medium time commitment

Catalog Distribution (Approx. time: 2 hours twice a year)
• Distribute Osher Institute catalogs across the Treasure Valley based on detailed lists provided by the Institute.

Volunteer Committee (Meet as needed – approx. 5 hours total; up to 8 members recommended by the Chair/Co-Chair and appointed by the Director)
• Serve as advocates for volunteers and volunteering with the Osher Institute.
• Work with Osher Institute staff to annually review the volunteer program and its processes.
• Identify gaps and areas for improvement to ensure volunteer satisfaction.
• Serve as a resource for members on opportunities.
• Help recognize and thank volunteers at annual social events and through targeted thank you notes each semester.

Office Support (Meet as needed – approx. 2-3 hours. Prefer experienced Osher members who have an understanding of the Institute and basic procedures to support the staff during times of high-volume activity.)
• Pleasant customer service presence to greet visitors to the Institute office.
• Provide information, instructions, and directions to fellow members and visitors.
• Provide tours of the Osher classrooms and social spaces per request.
• Answer the office telephone.
• Assist with other tasks requested by Institute staff.

Volunteer Activities – Large Time Commitment (Support and Leadership Roles)

Volunteer Activities with large time commitment

Special Interest Group Leader
Special Interests Groups (SIGs) are formed within the Osher Institute by interested members for learning and engagement outside of the regular classroom. SIGs are organized and led by members focused around a common interest. New SIGs are formed based on interest of members and ability to have a committed member to lead the group. See catalog for examples of current SIGs.

Curriculum Track Committee Member (10 members per committee)
Curriculum Track Committees support the Osher Institute and the staff by helping build program offerings for each semester. This includes pitching course, lecture, and special event ideas, reviewing programming requests and proposals, vetting possible presenters, and especially, identifying experts and potential presenters. As Osher Institute ambassadors, committee members cultivate community relationships that may serve the Institute and its members. Members are expected to keep the Track Chair and Osher Institute Director updated on progress. Time commitment: 4 meetings per year. Please select the track that best matches your interests:

Please select a track
Track 1 – Philosophy, Arts, Literature, and Religion/Spirituality
Track 2 – Physical Sciences, Engineering, and Technology
Track 3 – Earth and Life Sciences, and Environment
Track 4 – Politics and Public Affairs, History, Education, Business and Economics, Current Events
Track 5 – Medicine, Health, and Wellness

Advisory Council Member
Advisory Council Member (up to 15 members)
The purpose of the Advisory Council is to support the Osher Institute at Boise State University as advisors and advocates of its mission, to promote a vibrant learning community, and to further the educational and public engagement goals of the Institute and University. Council consists of up to 15 members with 3-year terms who are selected by sitting Council members and staff. There is a separate application process that opens in February each year, with an application deadline of March 1. For more information, visit the Osher Institute Advisory Council web page.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Activities With Varying Time Commitments
Courtyard Cleanup (Approx. time: 1 hour)
• Rake and sweep Osher Courtyard at Yanke building on an as-needed basis.
Event Support (Approx. time: 1/2 hour to 2 hours)
• Assist Osher Staff at special events with tasks such as setup, greeting members, and cleanup on an as-needed basis.

Don't see what you're looking for on the list? Suggest how you would like to volunteer for the Osher Institute:

Biographical Information

Please tell us a little bit about yourself, including your professional and educational background and any particular skills or experience you have that might be relevant to volunteering with the Osher Institute.