New volunteer centre offers students a world of oppourtunities
ON OCT. 21, the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Global and Community Engagement (CGCE) will celebrate its official opening. The centre offers volunteer opportunities for students, engaging them in the community in and out of the classroom.
University of Ottawa President Allan Rock, who had the idea for the centre, and Alex Trebek, a famous U of O alumnus and host of popular game show Jeopardy!, will be among those speaking at the opening ceremonies.
“What we wanted to do was create a one-stop shop, a place where we can help people meet their [community] service goals and create other opportunities for students … to get further engaged in society,” said Stephanie Sophie Cardinal, director of the centre.
The centre runs several programs for students, allowing them to volunteer locally, nationally, and internationally. One of the programs students can participate in is Community Service Learning (CSL). Though the program existed before, CSL was merged with the services offered by CGCE, expanding it and dedicating more resources to CSL.
Professors can sign their classes up for the program, giving their students an opportunity to volunteer in places related to the subject of study.
“Some of [the students’] term papers or some of their assignments are replaced by doing hours of volunteering in the society,” said Cardinal. “You can use that when you want to apply for a job or when you apply for further studies, it’s kind of a useful tool for when [you’re] graduating from the university.”
Rachel Moore, a fifth-year art history and communication student, is currently participating in CSL. In an email to the Fulcrum, she said CSL provided her with opportunities she wouldn’t have had access to otherwise, allowing her to put the theoretical knowledge she gained in her program to practical use.
“In business and communication courses, students are instructed to write case studies, which have no practical importance,” wrote Moore. “But in my CSL course, the case studies you write are applied to actual organizations. While CSL is a lot of extra work [compared] to what you would normally put into a course, I do prefer CSL coursework to my normal coursework.”
CGCE works with close to 400 community partners, who also benefit from the programs.
“This is our second year participating,” said Andre Charlepors, the managing director of Billingswood Manor, one of the centre’s partners. “Last year, I had a very good experience. This year is going very well; [having volunteers] helps the residents, it helps our activity coordinator, and the staff really appreciate the extra hand. Having the students around to help is a big asset.”
Cardinal said although CGCE has not officially opened yet, staff are already planning future events and programs the centre will participate in.
On Dec. 5, students will be able to attend an international volunteer fair hosted by CGCE. Those willing are also able to participate in Alternative Student Breaks, donating their efforts during school holidays, like reading week, to organizations that need them.
Cardinal said she hopes once CGCE opens students will come forward with their own ideas and interests.
“The more students come and tell us what they’re interested in … the more we’re able to [realize] those ideas,” said Cardinal.
The opening ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. in room 112 of Tabaret Hall. Students and staff can sign up to attend the grand opening of the CGCE by clicking here.
—Jane Lytvynenko
