Volunteering While Doing SURF?

[SuspensionBridge]

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Hi everyone, I'm currently a sophomore, planning on applying next year.

I got accepted to SURP today, but the form they want me to fill out says I won't hold any other work or volunteering positions or take any classes during the program. My volunteering hours are pretty low, so I was hoping to volunteer at a hospital or something on the weekends.

How strict do you think this rule is and how much of a time commitment are SURF programs usually?

Thanks!

 

[allanMED15]

I would guess they're pretty serious about it if there is a part of the application where you agree not to do those things.

 

[aldol16]

If they make you fill out a contract that says you can't volunteer, you shouldn't volunteer in an official capacity. I have a feeling it's because past students have overdone the volunteering thing where they're actually requesting time off work/leaving early/coming in late due to volunteering. They want to make sure that SURF is your priority while you're in the program. Now, if you're diligent about it and very very careful, you might be able to get away with volunteering in some capacity on weekends (as long as your lab doesn't actually require you to work on weekends). The way I see it, it's not their place to tell you what to do with your free time, as long as your "free time" isn't affecting your work with them. But if you choose to do this, just don't be caught doing it (hence the not in an "official capacity").

 

[SuspensionBridge]

Thanks for the help! I'll see how much of a time commitment the lab work will be and then decide.