Volunteering opportunities
Have you ever considered volunteering at the University of Melbourne?
Whether you are a former or current staff member, student or member of the public, we warmly welcome you to join our community of volunteers who make a real difference to the University.
You can be involved whether you are living in Melbourne, elsewhere in Australia or overseas, and there are opportunities for every interest and available time commitment.
Please take the time to read the University Volunteer Policy, which has been developed to ensure that volunteers are well supported and encouraged in their service to the University.
We invite you to browse the following information on current volunteer opportunities.
To register your interest, please refer to the ‘Contact’ information in the links to programs below.
We'd like to know more about the kinds of volunteer activities that may be of interest to you. If you can't see what you are looking for in the list below, or if you have any suggestions, please contact us. We will be adding to this information as we develop our volunteering program.
Keep your contact details up to date so that we can let you know of future opportunities and activities.
Alumni and friends groups and activities
Join an alumni network
Local, international and faculty-based alumni associations offer many opportunities for volunteering and leadership, as well as making new friends and business connections.
Contact: The Advancement Office
Start a new alumni group
Most alumni associations are set up and managed by alumni from a particular region, academic discipline or interest group. The University provides ongoing support and advice for this important volunteer activity.
Contact: The Advancement Office
Organise a reunion with your classmates
Reunions are held for social and networking reasons, or to celebrate the anniversary of a department or student society. The University supports reunion organisers with a variety of services.
Contact: The Advancement Office
Share your story with fellow alumni
Telling your story
in our email newsletter, GradNet, is a great way to reconnect with the alumni community and to raise awareness of your professional and other interests.
Contact: The Advancement Office
Campus tours
The University is developing a program of campus tours which will be offered to returning alumni, families visiting for graduations, and the general public. Alumni and friends of the University interested in being trained as guides and conducting tours of the Parkville campus, which would typically take sixty to ninety minutes to complete, are encouraged to register their interest.
Contact: The Advancement Office
Support for Alumni Relations and Fundraising programs
The University has many opportunities for alumni to support its alumni programs and is keen to build a register of alumni who may be interested in volunteering to help with events, mentor graduating international students returning to their countries, participating on advisory boards and fundraising activities.
Contact: The Advancement Office
To express an interest in volunteering at the University please complete the Volunteer Interest Registration Form (pdf) and return it to the Advancement Office.
Arts and culture
Friends of the Baillieu Library
This group supports the Baillieu Library's commitment to knowledge by helping it acquire rare and important books that would otherwise be beyond its means. Benefits of membership include invitations to special events and discounts at the Library and Bookshop. Contact: Leanne McCredden
Friends of Burnley Gardens
The Friends provide support for and promote awareness of the historic Burnley Gardens. They meet monthly with guest speakers talking on topics related to the Gardens or to horticulture.
Contact: Burnley Campus Administration, T: 03 9250 6800
Friends of the Grainger Museum
This group aims to support the Grainger Museum and promote knowledge and enjoyment of the music, life and works of Percy Grainger. Members receive newsletters, giveaways, concert discounts, exclusive exhibition previews and opportunities to meet leading scholars and musicians.
Contact: grainger@unimelb.edu.au
Friends of the Victorian College of the Arts
Support tomorrow's artists today! The Friends of the VCA are volunteers from all walks of life who support College activities and assist student endeavour at formal and informal levels.
Contact: Mr Patrick Carey, President
Members of the Ian Potter Museum of Art
This group supports the aims of the Potter and provides valuable support for its activities. Benefits of membership include discounts, special events and a quarterly newsletter.
Contact: potter-info@unimelb.edu.au
Careers and mentoring
Career mentoring
Mentoring a Melbourne University student allows you to contribute to the personal and professional development of future colleagues, enhance your own professional development through new skills, and learn about current curriculum and academic trends.
Contact: enquiries-careers@unimelb.edu.au
Career seminars
Kickstart Your Career programs are a series of seminars that focus on career management and job seeking, tailored specifically to the needs of University of Melbourne students from a particular faculty. Alumni are invited to contribute as guest speakers.
Contact: enquiries-careers@unimelb.edu.au
University governance
Committee of Convocation
The Committee of Convocation contributes to policy development and the activities of the University by representing the interests of graduates on decision-making bodies.
Contact: graduate-query@unimelb.edu.au
