17 May 2004

Thank you ceremony for student volunteers

Photo opportunity: Certificate presentations to student volunteers - Tuesday 18 May, 5.15pm, University of Dundee, Tower Building, First Floor, Training Complex

University of Dundee student volunteers will receive certificates and book tokens during a special 'Thank you ceremony' hosted by the University's Wider Access Study Centre (WASC).

The student volunteers have contributed enormously to the work of the Wider Access Study Centre to encourage school children to get a taste of University life through the 'Discovering Degrees for Schools' programme and the schools outreach workshops.

After completing their WASC training, the volunteers act as positive role models whom youngsters can relate to. Their time with school pupils aims to dispel the stereotypes surrounding university study by showing youngsters that undergraduate life is beneficial and attainable.

As volunteers, the students give their time free of charge and while the minimum commitment is one afternoon per semester, many students give an afternoon per week. Some students volunteer to gain experience with young people as they have a future teaching career in mind and others want 'to give something back'. Regardless of the students' motivation or the amount of time they give, their volunteering is invaluable to schools throughout Dundee, Angus, Fife, Perth and Kinross and is vital to the WASC's work.

For further information on University of Dundee Student Volunteers please visit www.dundee.ac.uk/learning/wasc where potential volunteers can apply online. Alternatively contact Katy Smith, Access Outreach Officer, on 01382 344370 or k.y.smith@dundee.ac.uk

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk