Volunteers

Volunteers with hands together

A volunteer is any individual who performs a service for and directly related to the business of the NSHE, without the expectation of monetary or material compensation.

Volunteers are expected to abide by college policies and regulations that govern their actions, including but not limited to those of ethical behavior, confidentiality, financial responsibility, and drug and alcohol use.

A volunteer may not perform any service until they have completed the Volunteer Packet, contact HR. The Nevada System of Higher Education Terms of Employment for Volunteer must be signed by the volunteer, guardian (if applicable), recommending authority, and appointing authority.

Volunteers requiring computer access must provide a social security number verbally to the TMCC Human Resources via phone 775-673-7168 or in person at RDMT 211. Social security numbers should not be emailed or written on the volunteer forms.

Volunteers are not considered employees for any purpose other than workers' compensation and general liability protection. Therefore, they are not eligible for retirement and health benefits, other than workers' compensation, as a result of their volunteer status. Volunteers serve at the pleasure of the institution. Accordingly, a volunteer assignment can be terminated at the discretion of the institution without notice or cause.

Volunteer Training

Each department will be responsible for training their volunteers. Training must be completed successfully before the volunteer may begin the assignment. If volunteers will be working with machines and/or equipment, they must be provided with the proper protective gear. If the volunteer will be working with machines and/or equipment, they must be supervised by a trained staff member or experienced volunteer.

Minors

A person under the age of eighteen may only become a volunteer with parental consent. Minors are not allowed to work with any type of machinery and/or equipment under any condition. Per the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the minimum age for employment and/or volunteering is 14 years of age.

Employee Performing Volunteer Service

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, a non-exempt employee cannot be both a paid employee and non-paid volunteer while performing the same type of work for the same employer. For example, an Administrative Assistant in the History Department cannot be considered a volunteer if their volunteer assignment requires them to perform Administrative Assistant duties in the Sociology Department. Although the definition of a non-exempt employee is complex, any hourly employee who is entitled to overtime, such as a classified employee, is generally considered to be non-exempt.