Opportunity Tuition Waiver
Community Involvement Activity Guidelines & How To's

DUAL CREDIT

Initial requirements that must be fulfilled to receive the Opportunity Tuition Waiver are that students must complete at least twenty (20) hours of community involvement activities with an organization approved by the Western Texas College Foundation. Only ten (10) of those hours can be from a religious organization. Student may begin their volunteer hours during the summer following their sophomore year of high school. A list of approved organizations is available from the Financial Aid Office at Western Texas College or online. Volunteer hours earned with organizations that are not on the approved list may not be accepted. Volunteer hours must be completed and submitted with the student's application by July 15 of that academic year.

How to volunteer...

1. Visit the Approved Organizations page to confirm organization with which you may volunteer your time. For each organization, you will find contact information, phone numbers, and a brief description of the duties to be performed.
2. After reviewing the list of approved organizations, choose one or more organizations with which you are interested in volunteering.
3. Before you contact the organization, refer to a calendar and make a note of the dates and times you are available to volunteer. Make a list of questions or information you would like to know about the organization or about the duties you will be expected to perform.
4. Call the organization's contact person as shown on the list of approved organizations. Identify yourself and explain that you are seeking volunteer work for Opportunity Tuition Waiver requirements. If possible, schedule a brief meeting with the contact person to discuss the volunteer opportunities.
5. Expect orientation and supervision. Generally, organizations that provide orientation, training, and supervision for their volunteers usually provide an excellent volunteer experience for students.
6. Know what is expected of you. When you choose an organization, be sure you have a very clear understanding of your volunteer responsibilities, the dates and times you are expected to work, the person you will report to, and the person who will supervise you and sign off on your TIME RECORD.
7. Know your volunteer job. Request that the organization provide you with a job description or specific explanation of the requirements of your volunteer work. Make sure you clearly understand what you will be doing.
8. Know your personal limitations. If the organization asks you to perform a volunteer job that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you should refuse to perform the task.
9. Honor your commitments. Always be on time, be courteous, and be accountable. The organizations and the people they serve will depend on you. They will appreciate you and the help you are providing more than you can imagine!