Volunteer Center
About the Volunteer Center
Launched in Fall 2024, The UCR Volunteer Center serves as a central hub for all things volunteer related. Whether you're just getting started or already passionate about volunteering, our center is here to support your journey. We provide one-on-one consultations, help you navigate our Volunteer Portal, connect you with a wide range of service opportunities (on & off campus), and even loan out supplies for your service projects.
Located in the Student Life Workroom – right behind the main Student Life Office in HUB 229), the Volunteer Center is a welcoming space for students to explore, plan, and amplify their impact on the community.
Why You Should Visit the Volunteer Center & Start Your Volunteer Journey
Volunteering is about creating change, developing leadership skills, and being part of something bigger. Through community service, you grow in the five core competencies that shape our view of leadership development: social capital, career readiness, civic mindedness, resilience, and cultural humility.
UCR is nationally recognized with the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, a prestigious honor that highlights our deep commitment to building strong, reciprocal partnerships between the university and our surrounding communities. Your involvement is part of what makes this recognition possible!
Whether you're hoping to meet new people, gain professional experience, or give back to the Riverside community and beyond, the Volunteer Center is here to support your goals. Every act of service you take part in contributes to UCR’s story of impact.
Where to get Started? Check out our Services:
Services including helping you to:
- Check Out Supplies and Tools: Access our inventory of necessary supplies and tools to ensure you’re fully equipped for your next project. If you are interested in submitting a request to check out supplies/tools for your next event, please submit our Supplies Request Form.
- Navigate the Volunteer Portal: Get hands-on support with the Volunteer Portal, including tips on reporting your hours and managing your involvement.
- Find Volunteer Opportunities: Explore and sign up for a variety of volunteer opportunities that match your interests and schedule. Learn how to create and host your own service project.
- Connect with Community Organizations: We’ll help you make direct connections with local community organizations to amplify your impact.
Volunteer Portal
Your one-stop-shop for all things community service!
The UCR Volunteer Portal makes it easy to:
- Discover volunteer opportunities that match your interests and schedule.
- Log your service hours and track your involvement.
- Create and manage your own service projects.
- Stay connected with local and campus-based initiatives.
Large Scale Service Days
Join the Highlander community for our signature Large Scale Service Days. These service days are hands-on, high-impact opportunities to serve Riverside alongside fellow students.
Featured events include:
HIGHLANDERS GIVE BACK (Fall)
Join the UCR Volunteer Center for our fall quarter service event and Give Back.
On Friday, November 21, 2025, the UCR Volunteer Center partnered with City of Riverside – Parks, Recreation, and Community Services division to host a Thanksgiving event for the community of Lincoln Park (Eastside of Riverside).
73 UCR student volunteers – including members from fraternities and sororities and the UCR Women's Soccer team, volunteered for various shifts to cut vegetables, prepare the turkey, decorate the venue, serve meals, play soccer with kids, and clean up the event. Volunteers dedicated a total of 9 hours (various shifts) and served 360 free meals to the community.
MLK DAY OF SERVICE (Winter)
Honor the legacy of Dr. King with a day dedicated to service, reflection, and unity.
EARTH MONTH (Spring)
Participate in a service event focused on sustainability and giving back to the planet.
These events bring together hundreds of students in coordinated efforts that make a real difference. They’re also a great way to meet others, try something new, and fulfill service hour requirements.
To learn more about upcoming events and stay up to date on volunteer opportunities join our newsletter here:
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES NEWSLETTER
Contact information:
Email: volunteer@ucr.edu
The Volunteer Center
LOCATION
Student Life Office
HUB 229
(In the Student Life Workroom – right behind the main Student Life Office)
HOURS
Monday – Friday (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
EMAIL
volunteer@ucr.edu
You Belong at UCR
All programs, services, and events offered through Student Affairs are open to everyone, consistent with federal and state law and the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Whether you’re seeking support, joining a community, or participating in campus life, every effort is made to ensure your experience is inclusive, respectful, and accessible, regardless of background or identity.
To learn more, visit the UC Nondiscrimination Statement or the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.