Volunteer Incentive Program

The Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) was created to recognize and encourage student involvement in volunteer and leadership activities. Participants in the VIP will enter at the Bronze level, and ascend through Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The program is designed for volunteerism and self-awareness, as each participant progresses through their university careers. The program started in 2003 and has since grown into a huge continuing success with even a new level added sometime after the launch of the VIP and it is now being added to curriculums at Memorial.

The Volunteer Incentive Program has many benefits to offer both its participants and participating organizations. In addition to the satisfaction gained from giving to their community, volunteers will receive well-deserved recognition for their accomplishments. For the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels, students must complete 20, 40, or 80 hours of volunteer service, respectively. Those who complete each level will be recognized at an annual Volunteer Incentive Program Awards Ceremony. Organizations participating in the VIP will benefit from the time and talents of well-rounded university students - and with an added impetus for students to volunteer, organizations may see an increase in their volunteer hours.

Moreover, by combining volunteerism with valuable life and career skills, participants will realize their potential as student leaders. The skills students acquire through the VIP will assist them in their personal and professional development.

Who it’s for:

You don’t have to be a superstar or a saint, you just have to be willing to show up and take an interest in bettering yourself!

Anyone is eligible to register for the VIP, as long as you have a Memorial Student number and you’re registered for classes in either during the semester you complete your VIP level or the semester before you complete your VIP level (during the spring semester you do not need to be in courses), however when you are finished your academic program you are no longer eligible to complete the program. The program is open to both undergrad, graduate and phd students.

How it works:

At every level, the VIP Program requirements are organized into three categories – GIVE, GROW, and GAIN – which represent the three pillars of the program: Volunteer Service, Career Development, and Self-Awareness.

There are four levels to the VIP. Everyone starts by working toward their Bronze Level, which is designed to be achievable by any student. Once you’ve completed Bronze, you can move on to Silver if you like – and, if you really love volunteering, you can tackle Gold and even Platinum! – but even earning one VIP Level will help you make progress toward your goals.

How much time do I have?

All VIP requirements must be completed during the semester in which you’re applying. The Gold level is the only exception; it can be completed in one semester or two consecutive semesters.

What if I’m not sure I can do it?

It’s not uncommon for students to register for a VIP level and then find out they’re unable to take part in the program - and that’s ok! There’s no penalty for registering for a level and then not completing it. Many of our SVB staff and volunteers had to register for a level more than once before they finished it! We understand that students have many commitments to balance.

What are the start and deadline dates?

The first day you can start completing requirements for a particular level is always the day after the last day of classes of the previous semester. The deadline is faithfully the last day of classes of the semester for which you registered for.

The dates for the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows:

Fall 2024 ~ August 5th - December 2nd
Winter 2025 ~ December 3rd - April 9th
Spring 2025 ~ April 10th - August 1st

Is there a deadline to register?

As of Fall 2017, we are introducing a deadline to register for the program each semester. The deadline to register for this Fall 2024 Semester is October 28th at 4pm for Bronze, Silver and Gold. Deadline to register for Platinum is 20th September.

Got more questions?

VIP Handbook here for our VIP Handbook!