Want to Volunteer with RUSU?
Our semester two volunteer intake is now at capacity. Please check back again in February, 2025.
Induction Sessions
To become a volunteer with RUSU you must attend an in-person induction session with the RUSU Volunteer Coordinator. Induction session details will be shared once you have completed the sign-up form. Sessions begin in week 2, and run for approximately 1 hour.
Additionally, some volunteers will be required to complete a Food Safety handling and/or Responsible Service of Alcohol training session, only if these are relevant to their specific volunteering role.
Want to make new friends while making a difference?
Volunteering at RUSU gives you a chance to develop new skills and socialise with fellow students as you gain practical experience in a supported environment. Take a chance to do something different as you expand your social and professional networks. All skills developed through volunteering can assist you in preparing for paid work outside of uni – win, win!
After you attend a RUSU induction session, you will be able to express interest in volunteering areas that best suit and interest you. We have huge interest in our volunteer program, and as such unfortunately won’t be able to accommodate every request or place every budding volunteer. However, we will try our best to help find you a volunteer role within one (or more) of our volunteer departments.
As a RUSU Volunteer, you’ll receive access to:
- Accredited training related to your volunteer role, such as RSA, Food Safety and Youth Mental Health First Aid
- Supervision and support from RUSU staff
- Professional and leadership development opportunities
- Social activities and events just for RUSU Volunteers
- Recognition on your RMIT transcript and a certificate if you complete at least 15 hours of volunteer work with RUSU
Activities and Events
There is no way that RUSU could provide over 3,000 free meals a week to RMIT students without the valued support of our Activities and Events Volunteers. Aside from our weekly Chill n Grill lunches and Healthy Breakfasts, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in the huge range of events that RUSU runs, such as trivia nights, student forums, Post-grad engagement events and much more. Activities and Events volunteers gain valuable skills and are provided with Responsible Service of Alcohol and Food Safety Handler training. No matter how much experience you have, we would love to have you on the Activities & Events team!
Information Counter Volunteers
RUSU Information Counters are the gateway to your student union. As an Info Counter Volunteer, you’ll work with a RUSU Student Liaison Officer to answer student enquiries about the services available to the RMIT student community and assist with office administration tasks, such as photocopying, answering and forwarding calls, word processing etc. No prior administration experience is necessary, this is your opportunity to gain those super valuable office skills and experience!
Realfoods
More than just a cafe, Realfoods provides RMIT students with affordable, vegan, organic food five days a week during the semester. Realfoods is powered by an incredible team of committed volunteers who help out in the kitchen with preparing food, serve customers and assist with general cafe operations. Volunteers undertake Food Safety training and receive plenty of on-the-job training to skill up our volunteers in a café environment. If you're looking for a dynamic and hands-on volunteer opportunity, Realfoods could be the place for you.
Compass Volunteers
This opportunity is only available to RMIT Psychology, Social Work, Youth Work and Community Services Students. This opportunity is available to Bundoora Nursing students.
RUSU’s Compass Drop-In Centre is a safe space for student to seek support, advice and resources to assist them in whatever issue they are facing. Compass Volunteers are a student’s first point of contact when they enter the Drop-In Centre, and are there to welcome students and assist them with their first steps in to help with whatever they are experiencing. Compass Volunteers also assist the Coordinators in planning and facilitating a range of outreach events focused on a wide range of welfare and student needs. Compass requires volunteer support at its City and Bundoora West locations.
Student Hearings Volunteers
Student Hearings volunteers act as members of RMIT committees on the academic progress and general conduct of RMIT students. Volunteers are trained in RMIT policies and rules, and how to apply these in deciding students’ cases. Student Hearings volunteering is a unique opportunity for anyone with an interest in policy, analysis and student rights ensuring a student voice is heard in student matters.
Download PDF: Information for Potential Student Hearings Volunteers
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I volunteer if I’m not an RMIT student?
In order to be eligible to volunteer, you must be a current student at RMIT and enrolled in at least one course for the duration of the time that you’re volunteering. If you’re not an RMIT student and are looking for an opportunity to volunteer in the community, head to www.govolunteer.com.au or www.volunteer.com.au to find a suitable volunteer opportunity near you.
How much time or how often do I have to volunteer?
Most volunteers contribute a minimum of two or three hours per week during the semester. Some of our volunteers contribute more by doing two or more shifts per week, and some do less by volunteering once a fortnight. In order to get the most out of your volunteering experience, and build strong skills and connections, we recommend that you contribute at least two hours per week.
Of course, there are times when life and study gets hectic and you won’t be able to make it, we get it! We just ask that you keep us in the loop when things change or you can’t volunteer.
I’ve volunteered with RUSU a year or two ago, but took a break. Do I need to apply or attend an induction session again?
No, you only need to apply and attend a Volunteer Induction session once. If you’ve taken a break from your volunteering and are interested in getting involved again, just contact rusuvolunteers@rmit.edu.au and let us know that you’re keen to get involved again, and which department/s you’d like to work with.
One of my friends would like to help out, can they come to my volunteer shift too?
We’re really happy that there are so many generous-hearted people who are keen to help out, but there are a few steps that everyone needs to follow before volunteering:
- Register online by clicking the 'Sign Up' button above.
- Attend an induction session.
- Sign up to a department (or three) and attend the relevant training.
Once they’ve followed these steps, you can volunteer together – yay!
Email: rusuvolunteers@rmit.edu.au
