Become a Volunteer

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - Aesop

The goal of the Columbia College alumni volunteer program is to develop an affinity among the entire Columbia College alumni community. No matter what your interests, background, hometown or availability, we can connect you to the opportunity that fits your schedule. We value your involvement and leadership and welcome your feedback.

volunteer form


Mentoring

The mentoring program pairs Columbia College graduates and friends of the college with students who are looking for educational advice, career guidance and life lessons via LinkedIn. It’s a wonderful opportunity for alumni who appreciate what Columbia College gave them to give something back by helping the next generation of students.

  • What do mentors do? Mentors will utilize LinkedIn to present and answer students' questions. Mentors draw on their real-world experience to give students advice about making the right choices in school, getting ahead in their careers and developing social skills. They serve as confidence boosters as well as role models. Mentors act as sounding boards for their students and provide practical feedback. They share ideas, communicate knowledge, identify useful resources and help clarify educational and professional goals.
  • How much time does it take? Each topic presented can vary with regard to the time spent answering the question. As a general rule a mentor is asked to post two to three times a week via the LinkedIn group. The ongoing relationship is nurtured through phone calls and email contact as necessary.
  • Why should you become a mentor? The mentor-student relationship is about career professionals offering friendly guidance and encouragement to an up-and-coming generation. It’s based on mutual respect and openness. It’s a two-way street — mentors often say they learn as much as they teach. And the satisfaction of helping guide young scholars onto the path toward success is one of life’s great rewards.

Speed Networking

The Office of Alumni Relations partners with the Grossnickle Career Services Center to host an annual speed networking event on main campus in Columbia, Missouri.

  • What is Speed Networking? Speed Networking is an efficient, face-to-face professional networking model similar to “speed dating” that enables participants to make new contacts through one-on-one short, focused conversations. It is an excellent opportunity for professionals and current students to forge new connections within the Columbia College community.
  • Benefits of Networking: Making new contacts provides access to innovative, engaging classmates who can broaden your career horizons. Connecting with current students who are looking to work in industries you are currently a part of is an excellent way to provide motivation to someone who may be where you were in the past. Learn more.

Student Recruitment

The Alumni Undergraduate Admission Recruiting program supports the efforts of undergraduate admissions representatives who actively engage students. The Alumni Undergraduate Admission Recruiting program invites dedicated Columbia College friends and alumni to assist with the recruitment of prospective undergraduate Columbia College students for any venue.

  • Write Prospective Student Notecards: The Columbia College Admissions office has identified high-ability students from across the country, and we need your help to recruit these future Cougars! To volunteer for this initiative, alumni are asked to write personalized notes to these prospective students. The Alumni Relations office will send you pre-printed notecards with space for a personalized message and pre-addressed envelopes. Letter writers are responsible for postage costs and dropping cards in the mail. A gift acknowledgement can be provided as your request for postage expenses. Volunteers will receive personalized Columbia College Alumni return address labels as a thank-you for your time. Sign up to write to prospective students.
  • Calling Prospective or Admitted Students: Communicating with prospective students helps to create a personal bond between Columbia College and the student. You may be asked to call a list of students in your area to encourage them to apply or congratulate them on their admission into Columbia College. Feel free to share your personal stories about your time as a Cougar!
  • Attending or Helping with a College Fair: College fairs increase Columbia College’s presence in your local community and provide a unique opportunity for personal interaction between alumni and students. Don’t worry if you don’t know all the answers! Your main job is to collect students’ information, as well as encourage them to view the admissions website and visit campus.
  • Scholarship Day: Scholarship Day is a competitive day for main campus students to vie for institutional scholarships and endowed funds by participating in an interview process. On any given event, there may be as many as 150 students who are participating. Interview teams consist of two interviewers. In the past, teams have been primarily made up of faculty and staff members, but we feel interviews will be more exciting as alumni can share their experience and speak to the student environment at Columbia College! Check the Scholarship Day website for details!

Internships

Are you interested in hiring top talent and making a difference for fellow Columbia College alumni? As an alumnus, you know the value of the Columbia College degree and the benefits gained from valuable work experiences. Post an internship, full-time job opportunity or share your professional experience and advice for a Columbia student. To post an internship opening, call the Grossnickle Career Services Center at (573) 875-4564.