About Us

Developed by the Volunteer Action Center in 2015, the Student Engagement program serves as a bridge between University of Arkansas students and the Northwest Arkansas community. Through several initiatives, the Student Engagement program offers short-term volunteer opportunities to connect with various organizations in the community, creating a stronger and more holistic bond with the Northwest Arkansas community.

Meet Student Engagement

The Student Engagement team consists of nine positions, including the Chair, Intern, Get Your 10 Coordinator, Find Your Impact Coordinator, Membership Coordinator, Communications Coordinator, Freshman Service Program Coordinator, and two Volunteer Coordinators, that oversee and manage Student Engagement’s initiatives and events

Meet the Team

Our Initiatives

Freshman Service Program

Overseen by an incoming freshman, the Freshman Service Program was created to connect new University of Arkansas students with the VAC and service opportunities within the Northwest Arkansas community through monthly service projects.

Find Your Impact

Find Your Impact (FYI) is a series of in-person, online, or hybrid sessions that invite on-campus RSOs and agencies doing good in the Northwest Arkansas community to share their mission and provide University of Arkansas students opportunities to get involved with their organization.

Join the GroupMe

Get Your 10

GY10 is a membership pipeline initiative developed to encourage students to engage in 10 hours of service each academic school year. By logging 10 or more service hours in GivePulse, students can become members of the VAC.

Membership Program

By logging 10 or more service hours in GivePulse, you can become a member of the VAC. Members have exclusive access to VAC social and professional development events, merchandise, and the opportunity to craft valuable connections and friendships with others through volunteer service.

Join the VAC

Annual Events

Scroll to learn more about our events and how you can get involved with RSO’s on campus, connect with agencies within the Northwest Arkansas community, and engage in service! You can register for these events on GivePulse!

Make a Difference Day

Make a Difference Day is the single largest day of community service in the Northwest Arkansas community. Student Engagement plans this day, partnering with local nonprofits to provide one-time community service opportunities for students.

In 2023, over 400 volunteers came together to contribute over 1,000 volunteer service hours and over $35,000 in economic impact in a single day.

Make a Difference Day 2024 will take place on Saturday, September 21st! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information on submitting your agency’s service project, applications to serve as a Project Leader, and general volunteer registrations!

Get Your 10 Week

GY10 is a membership pipeline initiative developed to encourage students to engage in 10 hours of service in an academic school year.

GY10 Week takes place during the spring semester and consists of educational programming, fun volunteer events, and collaborations with VAC’s signature programs, providing students with the opportunity to learn about agencies doing good in the Northwest Arkansas community while engaging in service and becoming eligible for VAC membership!

Annual Winter Tip-Off Blood Drive

In partnership with the Red Cross, Associated Student Government (ASG), and other notable community partners, Student Engagement hosts the Annual Winter Tip-Off Blood Drive to help combat the critical nationwide blood shortage. In 2023, over 1,000 donors contributed 897 units of blood, touching and saving over 2,600 lives.

Read About the Blood Drive

Volunteer Appreciation Week

Volunteer Appreciation Week is the VAC’s way of giving back to those who have given their all throughout the year. Perks throughout the week include free food, fun merch, and events to reward students for their dedication to helping others.

Volunteer Appreciation Week 2025 will be April 20-26! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for event announcements. We appreciate each and every one of our wonderful volunteers.