Volunteer Philosophy

Welcome to Volunteer Services at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, and and University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, Fairview.  Thank you for your interest in volunteering.  Volunteer programs are designed for one simple, but very important purpose - to serve our patients and their families.  Volunteers share the philosophy that it is a privilege to be of service to others.  Fairview volunteers touch the lives of patients in many ways, and a variety of opportunities throughout the medical center are available.  Your preferences will be considered when determining your volunteer placement, but our priority is to place volunteers in areas with the greatest need.

Getting Started

Volunteer Services works diligently to find the right volunteer for each of our opportunities.  Every prospective volunteer must complete the following application process.  (Exception:  High school students see information about Junior Volunteer Program below.)

• Print the application materials by clicking on the "To Volunteer" link found on the bottom of this page.
• Follow the instructions for completing and submitting your application.
• Attend a new volunteer orientation session.
• Complete a health assessment with Fairview's Employee Occupational Health Services.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Provide two personal references.
• Complete a one-on-one interview with a volunteer coordinator.

Time Commitment

Volunteers are expected to volunteer for 4 hours each week for a minimum of 6 months.  Summer only volunteers are expected to complete 75 hours of volunteer work during June, July and August.

Junior Volunteer Program

Summer program for high school students 15 years old or older. Information about the summer 2008 program is now available.  Application deadline is April 25. 

To volunteer at University of Minnesota Medical Center, or University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, divisions of Fairview, please click here.

To see volunteer opportunities, click here.