The Institute of Technology Tralee is one of 7 Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) involved in the development of the Campus Engage (www.campusengage.ie) led National Student Volunteer Database www.STUDENTVOLUNTEER.IE.  This National database is a bespoke and innovative web-based social media tool to promote, manage, match and measure student volunteering activity in higher education.

This excellent tool will allow volunteering organisations to upload their volunteer positions, from the comfort of home, and third level students can access these on their phones, ipads and pcs, allowing them to apply directly to the organisations to avail of these positions. Students will also be enabled to log their volunteering hours, and as is the case in IT Tralee apply online for the President’s Civic Spirit Award.

ITT President Dr. Oliver Murphy introduced well known activist Joanne O’Riordan, to launch the database in the ITT North Campus today. She has just returned from Japan, where she received the Junior Chamber International ‘Outstanding Young Person in the World Award’. Joanne gave an inspirational talk on active citizenship to an audience of staff, students, community partners and Governing Body representatives. Following a standing ovation a very entertaining, robust question and answer session ensued .

The Institute is committed to implementation of the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030 which states that ‘Engagement with the wider community must become more firmly embedded in the mission of higher education institutions’. This social media tool will serve to better connect students to the community in which they live, learn and play. Voluntary organisations (sports clubs, advocacy groups etc.) are invited to register on the database, just log onto www.studentvolunteer.ie, registration is simple and start uploading volunteer positions.