Information

Criminal Background Checks For Volunteers

Volunteers who will be performing security sensitive duties are required to have a criminal conviction verification conducted (see assessment form below in procedures). Department heads may also request a background check for other volunteer positions at their discretion.

Limited Worker’s Compensation Coverage For Volunteers

Only volunteers registered with the Volunteer Program are covered by the state Industrial Insurance Code which provides limited medical aid benefits in the event the volunteer suffers injury or death while performing volunteer services for the university. Should a volunteer sustain injury while performing services for the university, the required procedure for reporting the injury and processing of a state Industrial Insurance claim is the same as for employees.

Liability Coverage For Volunteers

Registered volunteers are protected under Washington State's Self-Insurance Liability Program for defense and settlement of tort liability claims arising from their negligent actions while acting within the scope of their authorized volunteer duties.

Driving

When permitted by their supervisor, registered volunteers may drive a University vehicle after completing WWU’s Basic Driver Safety Program and Large Passenger Van Training (if applicable). Supervisors must review and complete the state requirements for driver safety.

Volunteer Parking Permit

Volunteers may be eligible for a parking permit. More information and an application can be obtained through the Department of Public Safety Volunteer Parking Website.

Procedures and Forms

Supervisor:

1. Provide Application to volunteer to complete Section 1
2. Complete Section 2 of Volunteer Application
3. Review Security Sensitive Position Assessment to determine if volunteer needs a criminal background check completed.
4. Provide volunteer with Criminal Conviction Verification Form (CCV) (if applicable)
5. Send completed application and CCV to HR: MS-5221 or Fax: 360.650.2810
6. Assist volunteer in completing Volunteer Parking Permit request if needed.
7. If the volunteer will be driving a University vehicle
   1. Have the volunteer complete WWU’s Basic Driving Safety Program
   2. Review and complete Supervisor’s state requirements.
8. Print out copies of the Volunteer Time Sheet for volunteer to complete and submit to you at the end of each pay period.
9. Approve timesheet on the last working day of each pay period.
10. Send timesheets to HR at the end of each pay period.
11. If the volunteer needs Banner access or an Outlook account to perform their duties, contact Julie Nicolaas at x7718 or Connie Swigart-Harris at x7664.

Human Resources:

1. Process received forms.
2. Notify supervisor when forms have been satisfactorily processed.

Contact Information

For questions about the volunteer program, call Human Resources at 360-650-3774.

For questions about medical and liability coverage, call Environmental Health & Safety at 360-650-3064.