UWindsor employees invited to share the joy of graduation as convocation volunteers

Volunteering at the University’s Convocation ceremonies is one of the perks of his job, says Richard Lanspeary of the Advising Centre.

“It provides me an opportunity to see students after all their academic studies are finished,” he says. “We see them at Head Start, we get them through the admissions process, help them make course selections, nurture their study skills, and provide emotional bolstering when necessary.

“It is wonderful to see them at the end of the day, crossing the stage with a smile on their faces and holding that degree in their hands.”

Lanspeary says he has been volunteering for years, serving as an usher to help direct guests to appropriate venues for photographs.

“It’s not a difficult job, but it is a necessary one,” he says.

All UWindsor employees can participate in the highlight of the academic year by joining the Volunteer at Convocation initiative. A joint project of the Department of Human Resources and the Office of the Registrar, it offers staff the opportunity to be involved in a tangible way in the culmination of the student experience.

This year’s spring convocation runs in six sessions June 12 to 14 at the St. Denis Centre; each session requires about 12 volunteers to assist with greeting guests, providing them with directions and information. Staff members may volunteer during their regularly scheduled work hours but will need approval from their supervisors.

The application deadline is May 31. Find more information, including a sign-up form, at www.uwindsor.ca/convocation/volunteer.