Volunteer Time Off Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the policy is to provide Volunteer Time Off for faculty and staff in support and recognition of the contribution that Baylor College of Medicine employees make in their communities.

Policy

An employee is eligible to take the equivalent of one regularly scheduled workday per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) for community service activities. VTO must be requested in advance and approved by the employee’s manager.

Eligibility

An employee must be classified as a benefit eligible faculty and staff, and currently employed by Baylor for a recommended six months of service.

Guidelines

• VTO time can only be taken in full day increments.
• For new hires, VTO time will accrue on first day of the seventh month of employment.
• Unused VTO time will not carry forward to a new calendar year. Any unused VTO time will be lost on June 30 of the following year.

Process

1. The manager will review the request and confirm or deny approval. VTO approval is at the manager’s discretion and factors such as performance, operationally critical days, advance notice, and team schedule may be factored into the decision.
2. The manager may require acceptable proof that VTO time taken is within the purpose of this policy.

Other

In order to align the opportunity to volunteer with Baylor’s strategic goals and to create the greatest impact, a list of preferred community organizations is attached as an exhibit to this policy.

Faculty and staff may recommend organizations they believe are in alignment with Baylor’s strategic vision. Baylor, in its sole discretion, will decide which organizations strategically fit with its mission, vision and values.

So that your service opportunity can align with Baylor’s strategic goals and can create the greatest impact possible, Baylor recommends the following organizations. Community service opportunities are not limited to this list.

• *Disaster relief services including organizations supporting Hurricane Harvey relief effort*
• Any United Way funded agency
• Casa de Esperanza
• Charity races, walks, fun-runs, and other sporting events
• Volunteers in public/private schools
• Community health organizations
• Faith-based community organizations
• Houston Ground Angels
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
• Shelters/homes for families, women, children, the homeless, and refugees
• Texas Medical Center institutions with volunteer programs
• Work with animal shelters/rescues, service and comfort animals
• DePelchin Children's Center
• Small Steps Nurturing Center
• Texas Advocacy Project
• Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas
• Houston Child Advocates

*Please note that attendance at conferences or educational meetings, regardless of the receipt of CME or other educational credit, is not considered community service.

Harbor Hospice of Texas - Volunteer Opportunity

The organization, in the Tomball/North Houston area, is looking for student volunteers interested in expanding their knowledge and experience with this specific patient group.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Young.