Campus Connection

New online service connects college students, non-profits

A new online service is helping La Crosse area non-profit agencies connect with students from La Crosse’s three colleges. The service — Ugetconnected — is based at United Way of the Coulee Region and aims to get students from UW-La Crosse, Western Technical College and Viterbo University direct access to agencies looking for volunteers. The partnership has an online website – www.ugetconnected.org — that students can use to get connected to volunteer opportunities. Community organizations post their openings onto the site where students can log in, create a profile, and search for opportunities to volunteer. The website not only connects volunteers with not-profits, but also records volunteer hours. Organizers can also use the service to send information and record volunteer hours to student's teachers or advisers. Technology is a great way to connect with students, communities and agencies today, says Jackie Bisson, a graduate assistant in UWL University Centers. “We believe this site will integrate well into the lives of all who use it,” says Bisson. “The beauty of Ugetconnected is that it gives individuals the chance to explore volunteer opportunities within their sectors of interest in their own home and on their own time.” In previous years, UWL staff updated the community agency guide each fall. It became outdated shortly after being printed. Ugetconnected allows agencies to stay up-to-date with not only volunteer needs, but also on staffing because each agency controls its own page. Agencies create a page providing basic information about their organization — what their mission is, what they do, how to contact them and more. When they need volunteers, they post tasks needed. The site allows them to find and retain volunteers for specific events, or long term. Students can create a profile when looking for volunteer work. They can search by interest, specific agency or need. If students need to fulfill hours for a class or group, the site allows them to track and verify hours served with agencies. They can also create a "volunteer resume." UWL Senior Rebecca Steck, who works in the Center for Leadership, Involvement and Graphics, says Ugetconnected is a great partnership and expects it will be popular among students. “This program is great for organizations that need volunteers and it is very helpful for students,” says Steck, a political science and public administration major from Platteville. “Some classes, programs or clubs require volunteer hours as a stipulation of membership. For some students, especially freshmen who are new to the area, finding these opportunities can be difficult. Now, it shouldn't be a problem.” UWL student Kaila Stencil expects the new service to catch on with students quickly. “Students will benefit from this because they will not have to put in extra time to look at agencies websites to search for a contact person for the agency,” says Stencil. “I think students will be more likely to volunteer when the process of finding opportunities is so readily available." Faculty and staff are encouraged to create a profile to discover volunteer opportunities and how to assist students. Those wanting to use the site for class requirements should contact involvement@uwlax.edu for support or simply go to the website to explore what it can do. The Ugetconnected platform, powered by Galaxy Digital, was originally designed to support United Way chapters nationwide. It has grown to college campuses because of the interest in tying community service with courses and activities.

Ugetconnected kick off set

What: Ugetconnected Volunteer Fair When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 Where: Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition Get a sneak peak at: The Ugetconnected station at Involvement Fest –11a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, Wittich Field