Volunteer and Work Study

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers in Progress (VIP) is a program offered by the Student Development Centre that is designed to provide Western students with rewarding opportunities that build on their experience.

Many BMSc students express an interest in volunteering in research laboratories.  At this point, there is no formalized process or best practice in place for finding volunteer positions.  Most researchers looking for student volunteers will post the position in Western Connect.  

Approaching a researcher directly is similar to applying for a job.  Be courteous and well-informed about the "job" or research being performed in the lab.  Having an unofficial transcript and a short essay on why you would like to volunteer on hand shows initiative, which may also help when acquiring a volunteer position.

Student Volunteer Positions at St. Joseph Health Care in London

Occupational Health and Safety have changed the health review process for new employees, volunteers, students and physicians at St. Joseph’s Health Care London.  The health review requirements for these individuals are:

  • Proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella and varicella; and
  • Tuberculosis (TB) skin test.

Review the Instruction Form. The Health Review Form must be completed and submitted prior to an employee, volunteer, student or physician starting work.  This will be included with their offer letter or registration package, however you may choose to provide this information in advance to expedite the process.

Please be aware that individuals must be cleared by Occupational Health and Safety prior to their start date. If they have not met all requirements, it will result in a delay in the start date. 

Volunteers or trainees must receive an email from Occupational Health and Safety confirming clearance before they can start any type of work.

Question or clarification required, please email lawsonsjhcpersonnel@lawsonresearch.com.

Work Study

Western’s Work Study program offers an opportunity for students to work part-time on campus in jobs that accommodate their studies. The objectives of the Work Study program are:

  • to assist students in financial need with a regular source of income that does not add to their debt load,
  • offer students training and experience that will assist them in further studies and their eventual entrance into the workforce,
  • and to help staff and faculty.

Financial need is determined in a manner similar to the Canada and Ontario Student Loans assessment. It involves assessing the costs of the program the student is registered in, based on advice from our students, and the resources available to them.

Application to the Work Study program is via the Financial Assistance Profile Application, which is available through the Student Center. Once logged into your profile click on Financial Assistance under Student Services Links.

Summer Work Study:  Financial assistance is also available during the summer term for registered summer students. The application for bursary and work-study funding is available via the Student Centre. To be eligible to apply, students must be registered in a minimum half credit during the Summer term and must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.

More details about the Work Study program can be found on the Office of the Registrar's website.