Undergraduate volunteerism has taken many forms over the years, from folding bandages for soldiers at war, to providing tutorial services for elementary and secondary school children, to staffing medical programs in Appalachia. Broadly defined, student volunteerism encompasses paid and non-paid positions, internships or other work resulting in academic credit, and community service. Today, it may also affect student financial aid and related legislation. There are signs, however, that current undergraduates are more altruistic, although torn by the push toward careerism. Institutional initiatives to support student volunteerism are increasing as well.
Young adulthood is the time when persons are most open to the concept of citizen responsibility.
Society today demands that young people understand the great impact of social issues and make a commitment to the public. Many students are neither apathetic nor uninterested in the welfare of others, as they might appear. So, at least, says Wayne Meisel, executive director of the Campus Outreach Opportunity League. Rather, Mr. Meisel feels that many students are frightened and unsure of where or how to initiate volunteer involvement. Administrators and faculty who coordinate volunteer efforts at the institutional and even national level can activate widespread student involvement.