Working with Students

Fresno State students are an amazing group of unique individuals.  As with any group there are many different personalities, motivations and degrees of commitment.

It is important to spend some time getting to know the students that come to your agency.  What are they looking for? What are their interests? The more time you spend with students on the front end of their service the better the overall experience for both the student and the community benefit organization (CBO).

Tips for Working with Students

• Treat student volunteers as any new employee.  Give them the background of your organization. Give them a tour and orientation.
• Let them know why your work in the community is so important.
• Give them tangible tasks.  Stuffing envelopes may be greatly needed but make sure they are doing something that makes them feel like they are making a difference.
• Put yourself in their shoes and realize you are a co-educator for this student.  For many of the students this will be their first experience in a work setting.  The more effort you put into teaching them, the more you will get out of them.
• If the student is serving with you to fulfill a course requirement, find out what class they are enrolled in and who the instructor for the course is . . . if you see a pattern of students coming from one class/instructor, it is a great time to build a relationship!

What Students are Saying

"Try to sell your community service opportunity as an event that will attract students for reasons besides service.  Many service events can also build leadership skills, give students a chance to network, or allow them to explore a new facet of the community.  Be sure to point these possibilities out to students." – Fresno State Student