Volunteerism and Service Learning
Volunteerism and Service Learning (VSL) connects the resources of the University to the community to meet community priorities. In support of the University's mission to connect academic curriculum to public service, the unit's programs and services are aimed at developing responsible citizens—students, faculty, and staff—who are informed participants in their communities, contributing to the public good and aspiring to benefit society.
Programs
Volunteerism and Service Learning's programs offer students the chance to learn outside the classroom, focusing on service and leadership to learn about the world and themselves during their time at The University of Texas at Austin. VSL envisions a world in which all students become lifelong citizens, embodying the University's core purpose: "to transform lives for the benefit of society."
Alternative Breaks
Alternative Breaks are immersive service experiences that allow participants to engage in complex issues outside the Austin area. During these trips, which take place during breaks in the academic calendar, students make a visible impact and engage in new experiences, while educating themselves about specific issue areas and learning tools to make a difference beyond UT Austin.
Community Engagement Collective
The Community Engagement Collective is a network of students passionate about community engagement and service. The collective's vision is that all UT Austin students will be lifelong citizens, and the collective is a place where anyone can find a place to get involved.
LEAD Initiative
Longhorns for Education, Access, and Development (LEAD) supports community-based organizations and connects student-athletes to causes they care about. The LEAD Initiative gives student-athletes the opportunity to engage in impactful collaborations with community-based organizations in Texas with resources in the following areas: education services, recreation activities, basic needs, and/or emergency services. The LEAD Initiative provides student-athletes with experience in real-world civic leadership and empowers them to go above and beyond to strengthen communities by building avenues for lasting relationships with the university.
President's Volunteer Service Award
The President's Volunteer Service Award is a federal volunteer awards program, encouraging United States citizens or lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States through presidential recognition to live a life of service. VSL is an official certifying organization for The President's Volunteer Service Award. VSL encourages all volunteers to create an account and begin tracking your service hours.
The Project
Hundreds of University of Texas at Austin students, faculty and staff come together to participate in The Project, the University's largest single day of service. Participants complete beautification projects at various sites in one Austin neighborhood alongside residents and local organizations. The Project aims to create meaningful and lasting relationships between neighborhood residents, students and programs.
Tower Awards
The Tower Awards are presented annually to honor excellence in volunteerism among the students, faculty and staff. Since 1992, awards have been presented at a ceremony to honor the dedication of Longhorn community. Today the ceremony recognizes students, faculty and staff of the University, as well as University-community partnership efforts.
UT Volunteer Fair
The UT Volunteer Fair brings community-based organizations to campus to connect with interested volunteers from the UT Austin community.
VolunteerUT
VolunteerUT connects members of the UT Austin community with service opportunities in the greater Austin area. We hope to make volunteering easily accessible, whether as a one-time event or an ongoing commitment, through the GivePulse platform, @VolunteerUT Instagram, or signing up to receiving weekly emails.
Contact Us
Location
Volunteerism and Service Learning
Student Services Building
100 West Dean Keeton Street
Austin, TX 78712
Phone
(512) 471-6161
If we are unable to answer, please leave a voicemail with your name, EID, phone number, and request.
Email
UTVSL@austin.utexas.edu
Please include your name, EID, phone number and request.
Office Hours
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.