Volunteer, connect and network

The time commitment required to complete Class Champion responsibilities will depend on what you choose to do, your class size and number of Class Champions enlisted. You could simply volunteer to reach out to former classmates or you could plan an activity and launch a fundraising campaign. 

The following is an estimate for possible activities: 

• Contacting classmates: 2 - 16 hours
• Planning a class-specific event: 2 - 4 hours (optional)
• Working with staff liaison to prepare dinner program: 1-2 hours
• Participating in meetings or conference calls: 2 – 4 hours
• Preparing/submitting feedback and updates: 1 - 2 hours
• Complete a survey after the reunion to give constructive feedback: 1-2 hours

We’re in this together! The Environment alumni office will plan, organize and promote core Alumni Weekend activities. We’ll send the official invitations, host the website and subsidize many of the costs.

As a Class Champion, you’ll be responsible for helping to plan on extra 'class only' activity and then to promote it to your class. To do this, you’ll be asked to:

1. Use the contact list provided to email and/or call your classmates and personally encourage them to attend Alumni Weekend. Leverage social media to help promote the event and spread the word.
2. Work with your staff liaison to determine who else should be invited to your reunion (i.e. favourite professors, classmates who may have graduated a year earlier or later).
3. Decide and plan a class-specific event (e.g. pub night or golf day)
4. Act as a central contact for your classmates by letting us know your preferred contact information to add to the website and including it on the flyer.
5. Participate in conference calls or in-person meetings with your staff liaison throughout the planning cycle.
6. After Reunion, submit feedback and address corrections to your staff liaison.

A Class Giving Challenge is a completely optional opportunity for Class Champions to help their class to leave a lasting legacy for the next generation of Enviornment students by leading a group-funded scholarship campaign. 

By alleviating financial burden, scholarhips give deserving students the greatest gift of all; the gift of time. More time to dedicate to their studies, to varsity athletics, and to getting invovled in student life. 

Many alumni feel deeply gratified knowing that their generosity can help tomorrow's students have the same, positive, life changing experience they had as students. 

For a combined gift of $10,000, your class can create a named, expendable, $2000 annual, undergraduate scholarship that will support students for five years. A commitment of $40,000 will support a named, endowed scholarship, supporting future Environemnt students in perpetuity. 

All fundraising activities are coordinated and supported by the Faculty of Environment Advancement Office and processed through the University of Waterloo’s secure, online giving platform.  Donations over $20 are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

Each Class Champion will be provided with a class list once they sign a privacy policy. You will also be provided a Resource Guide, which includes:

• A full class list, provided after a privacy policy is signed
• A list of electronic resources to help connect with former classmates 
• Social media tips for promoting your reunion
• An overview of the Class Reunion Giving Challenge
• A survey to submit feedback after Reunion is complete

Class Champions have listed the following among the benefits of their volutneer role:

• The fun of reconnecting with former classmates, including those who are not able to attend in person
• Pride in representing the Faculty of Environment and its alumni
• The nostalgia of sharing special stories and fond memories from their time at Waterloo
• Satisfaction of knowing the important role they play brining people together

Definition of a Volunteer
Advancement volunteers are supporters of the University or one of it’s Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo, who generously give their time and unique skill set for the purpose of advancing the University’s strategic objectives. Volunteer roles vary from one time opportunities (i.e. special events) to ongoing commitments of two to three years (i.e. advisory boards) and are available across the entire University.

Statement of Philosophy on Volunteer Engagement
The passion our volunteers have for Waterloo inspires their peers and assists in fostering pride and building meaningful lifelong relationships with the University. We are committed to providing these volunteers with rewarding opportunities and we strive to offer a supportive and empowering volunteer environment.

The Office of Advancement aspires to involve volunteers in all appropriate University programs. Our volunteers have extensive global networks and vast skill sets that make them valuable assets in our mission of engaging people to advance the strategic goals of the University of Waterloo.

Goals of Volunteer Engagement

• To provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for Waterloo alumni, donors and friends who wish to engage and strengthen their connection to the University. 
• To empower volunteers and provide them with the tools and resources necessary to contribute in meaningful ways. 
• To strengthen the connection between Waterloo students and volunteers; providing and enhancing opportunities for experiential learning, career development and mentorship.

Guideleines and Procedures

As a member of our team and a representative of the University, each of us within the Office of Advancement must commit to a set of policies and procedures that will protect you, your fellow alumni and supporters as well as the institution.

Code of Conduct
Office of Advancement volunteers:

• Understand the Environment Advancement mission.
• Recognize that volunteer commitment is an important responsibility.
• Embrace all Environment Advancement Volunteer Guidelines and Procedures.
• Advance the University of Waterloo as the first priority over other interests while volunteering.
• Understand that volunteer behaviour and actions reflect on the University. Volunteers will demonstrate passion and commitment to the
  University of Waterloo and refrain from public criticism of fellow volunteers, classmates, staff or the University.
• Sustain the ongoing partnership between your Environment Advancement contact, the University and its volunteers.
• Contribute to a welcoming and safe environment by demonstrating respect and fair treatment without regard to gender, place of origin, sexual orientation, age, religion, political belief, race, physical or mental ability, or economic status and refraining from the use of profane, insulting, harassing or otherwise offensive language.

How it works

1. Join

Personalize your profile by choosing your program, industry, interests and goals. Your answers drive the matching process.

2. Match

Every four weeks you'll receive an email with a new connection, plus tips on how to reach out and get the conversation started.

3. Meet

Send your new contact an email & suggest a time to connect. Meet on any platform you choose and at a time that works for you.

Are you a student or recent grad?

Join ENV Connect to:

• Seek out mentors and start building your network
• Gain a better understanding of what careers are available with your degree
• Develop your networking and communications skills through real-world practice
• Build your network of Faculty of Environment alumni based on their industry and interests

Did you know that networking helps fill 85% of job openings? As a Faculty of Environment student, you have access to a diverse network of more than 16,000 ENV alumni in over 80 countries working in a wide range of industries.

The top skills companies are looking for across ALL industries are active listening, public speaking, critical thinking, and social perceptiveness. Improve these skills by connecting with others, sharing your story and asking thoughtful questions.

ENV Connect, powered by Ten Thousand Coffees is your exclusive networking and mentoring platform. The service introduces you to alumni and other students based on your specific career interests and goals. Once you join, all introductions are sent directly to your @uwaterloo.ca inbox. Plus, you'll receive an official LinkedIn certification to recognize your commitment to continuous learning and career advancement!

You're in charge:

• Experiencing a busy period? Turn off auto-matching any time and resume when your schedule allows.
• Want to get more our of ENV Connect? Use the Search feature to connect with alumni or other students based on your interests and goals or attend an Office Hours event hosted by a member of the community.
• Schedule your meetings when you want and on your preferred online platform (Zoom, Skype, Google Meet etc.)

Networking is a long-term investment that will continue to give back as your career grows. Join ENV Connect today to get started!

Are you an alumni or community partner?

Join ENV Connect to:

• Share your valuable life and career advice
• Help shape the careers of students and new alumni
• Develop your networking and mentoring skills through real-world practice
• Build your network of other ENV alumni and faculty based on your industry and interests

As a Faculty of Environment graduate, you have valuable life experience and career advice to share. With the Covid-19 pandemic shrinking economies and increasing unemployment, it is more important than ever for students to receive support and advice from working professionals like you.

We know that networking helps fill 85% of job openings, and the top skills companies are looking for across ALL industries are active listening, public speaking, critical thinking and social perceptiveness. You can help students develop these skills, and improve your own, by connecting with others, sharing your insights, and asking thoughtful questions.

ENV Connect, powered by Ten Thousand Coffees is an exclusive networking and mentoring platform that introduces you to students and other alumni based on your specific career interests and goals. Once you join, all introductions are sent directly to your preferred inbox. Plus, you'll receive an official LinkedIn certification to recognize your commitment to continuous learning and career advancement.

You're in charge:

• Experiencing a busy period? Turn off auto-matching any time and resume when your schedule allows.
• Want to offer more through ENV Connect? Host Office Hours and invite a small group of students to join you at a specific time when you are available.
• Schedule your meetings up when you want and on your preferred online platform (Zoom, Skype, Google Meet etc.)

RBC Future Launch is RBC’s commitment to empower Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow. RBC is dedicating $500 million to help young people access meaningful employment through practical work experience, skills development, networking and access to mental well-being supports and services.