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Community Engagement

University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) Community Engagement and Career Development

Community is a foundational value at UMR. Students participate in community-engaged coursework, scholarship, internships and volunteer experiences that foster career development and personal growth.

Dr. Bridget Tetteh-Batsa, director of community engagement and career development, builds structures for community-focused learning by connecting nonprofit and community partners to campus. These partnerships expose students to enriching opportunities that support their academic and professional success.

Students are encouraged to talk with their student success coach about how they’re engaging with and making meaning of their community experiences. Those who have already met with their coach and have additional questions may contact Dr. Tetteh-Batsa at [email protected].

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Community-Engaged Learning Attributes Courses and Directed Study/Research Experiences

Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) Attribute Courses

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences students are required to take CEL courses to meet their degree requirements. The catalog requires  that students take:

  • CLI 3522 - Community Collaboratory (3.0 cr) *has a CEL attribute or
  • Six credits of UMR coursework with the Community Engaged Learning (CEL) attribute

Volunteering

Many students engage in volunteer experiences. Below are some resources to connect you with the Rochester community.

  • Attend the Involvement Fair during the first week of classes in the fall.
  • The United Way of Olmsted County offers a volunteer search feature that can help connect you to local needs.
  • You can also search using Volunteer Match.
  • Watch for opportunities in the Raptor Report student e-newsletter.
  • Consider joining a Club. Student clubs often participate in volunteer and service opportunities in Rochester.
  • Take Community Collaboratory - CLI 3522, This course extends the student learning experience into the Rochester community, partnering with local organizations to analyze and approach community needs.
  • There is a club centered on volunteering efforts: UMR Community Engagement Club. Visit RaptorLink to learn more.

Activate your Handshake Account. Handshake is the University of Minnesota's professional job, internship, and volunteer database connecting students and alumni with employment opportunities throughout the world.

Civic Engagement and Social Change

Students engage in community and UMR encourages students to contribute to the public good and participate in elections. Faculty and staff strive to build civic knowledge, skills and attitudes by integrating civic education into campus life and academic coursework. Visit the voter registration website for details on upcoming elections, civic holidays and how to register to vote.

Examples of Past Student Experiences

UMR Student organizations
OrganizationRole
Seasons HospiceDirect, Indirect, and Bereavement Care
Family Service RochesterFamily Access Center Volunteer
Minnesota Teen ChallengeAdministrative Support Volunteer
Boys and Girls ClubMentor
Women's ShelterChildcare Volunteer and Advocate Role
Paws and Claws Humane SocietyVolunteer Animal Caregiver
Camp CompanionVolunteer Animal Caregiver 
Mayo Clinic*Pediatric Volunteer, Hospice Center, Gift Shop
Office for Diversity in Mayo Medical School*Observer
Brighter TomorrowsBLAST Staff
Gift of Life Transplant House*Volunteer to Connect with Families
Ronald McDonald House*Housewarmer
Hawthorne Education CenterVolunteer Tutor
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Mental Health Volunteer
Good Samaritan Dental Clinic and Pharmacy*Volunteer Dental Assistance
Rochester Center for AutismActivity Planner
The Homestead at RochesterVolunteer with an Occupational Therapist
Diversity CouncilVolunteer (roles vary)
American Cancer Society Hope Lodge of Rochester*Volunteer Family Assistance
Channel One Food BankFood Shelf Stocker
Greater Twin Cities United WayVolunteer (many roles)
The Village Agricultural Cooperative
 		Volunteer (roles vary)

*Indicates it is within walking distance of the Rochester campus

Community-based Student Employment

In addition to on-campus student employment opportunities, UMR’s HR team fosters several community-based student employment opportunities. Finding work that is related to your career interests can be beneficial. Community Service/Work-Study Program (CSP) is an opportunity for students with work-study to work at federal and state agencies and nonprofit organizations that provide a service to the community. CSP jobs might include working with at-risk youth, literacy and math tutoring, and neighborhood or rural development. To explore available CSP jobs, log into your MyU portal.  Under "Campus Info", choose "Job Openings - Students". This will take you to a webpage with steps on how to get a student job. To access the student job portal, click the “Online Postings” link underneath the first step.

For Community Partners

UMR works to connect undergraduate students to the Rochester and broader Minnesota community through meaningful experiences. The format of these engagements can range from on-time volunteer needs to ongoing educational partnerships.

Let us know about community needs for volunteers, program possibilities and ways to connect local organizations with students.

For general questions and ideas contact Bridget Tetteh-Batsa, Director of Community Engagement and Career Development.