Student Volunteer Programs: Adapting to Your Audience – Stefanie Maccar (Monash Student Association)

BIO:  Stefanie Maccar is the Volunteer Coordinator at Monash Student Association. She is a highly experienced university student services professional with 15 years of experience in the field. She has a proven track record of success as both a service department manager and coordinator of volunteers, specialising in leadership training and university events. Stefanie’s strengths lie in logistics management, training and mentoring, and she has a demonstrated ability to create effective strategies and systems to enhance team performance.

SESSION OVERVIEW: In this presentation, attendees will explore the ever-changing landscape of student volunteering in the sector, and the need for adaptation and decision-making regarding program continuance.

Throughout the session, there will be discussion about the critical considerations for adapting student volunteering initiatives to align with evolving needs, as well as addressing the question of when it may be necessary to discontinue or “switch off life support” for certain programs.

Stefanie will delve into Monash University (Clayton)’s COVID-born programs and focus on the Camps & Events (formerly known as Host Scheme) Leadership program, established in 1974. This program has experienced different eras of student volunteers and is currently undergoing restructuring to cater to the present audience.

There will be dedicated time for participants to share their own experiences with adaptation and program closure, offering valuable insights and advice to the group.