Lander University Docent Program
Mission Statement
The docents of Lander University are an integral part of the university’s educational mission. They are dedicated to Lander’s role as an academic institution devoted to teaching and learning as its principal concerns and providing a challenging education for qualified students. Docents, along with administration, faculty and staff, recognize Lander as an intellectual and cultural center that cooperates with various agencies, schools and businesses in the community.
Docents
The name docent is derived from the Latin word “docere,” which means to teach or to lecture. Traditionally, docents have been associated as volunteers with museums and libraries. At Lander, a docent is a professional volunteer and a facilitator, who provides an indispensable service and is a valuable part of the university’s educational mission.
Docent Responsibilities
Every effort will be made to match the interests and experience of docent applicants with the needs of the university. Docents are familiar with the history of the university, its mission, academic programs and cultural activities. They foster public support for and help promote and further the university’s goals by sharing their knowledge with visitors, conducting tours and participating in community outreach programs. They interact with Lander students by providing guidance as tutors and mentors and they may be called upon to communicate with student families and prospective students. Docents perform a variety of administrative duties that are important to the university’s operation and they assist with the planning and implementation of campus programs such as special events and cultural or athletic activities. Some docents may be willing to participate in fundraising activities, but it is not a requirement.
Docent Qualifications
Lander University encourages and welcomes applications from docent candidates of diverse backgrounds, ages and experience. Other qualifications include:
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an interest in working in an academic environment
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enthusiasm for meeting and talking with people
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strong communication and listening skills
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commitment to Lander’s mission of teaching and learning and providing a challenging education for qualified students
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agreement to function within the university’s rules and regulations and to work in harmony with administrators, faculty, staff and students Docents must feel a sense of accountability to Lander and their fellow docents as a group. They are expected to be well-prepared for their assignments, dependable and punctual.
Training/Periodic Informational Meetings
Docent candidates agree to complete an orientation program that familiarizes them with Lander University, its mission, academic programs, cultural activities, the layout of the campus and its buildings, and the university’s expectations of docents. They receive training, as necessary, in the areas where they work and attend periodic meetings to obtain updated information associated with their duties and university operations and activities.
Rewards/Benefits
Docents participate in personally satisfying experiences while enriching Lander’s academic and social environment and nurturing the university’s growth and relationship with the community. Active docents are entitled to a number of benefits, including:
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the opportunity to audit classes without cost, and privileges at the Jackson Library on campus
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free parking
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free or discounted admission to Lander cultural activities and athletic events
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discounts on purchases in the campus bookstore and cafeteria
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free use of the university’s athletic and recreational facilities:
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indoor Olympic-size swimming pool
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walking track
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racquetball courts
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tennis courts
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weight training room
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Successful applicants will be provided with official blazers and a special nametag identifying them as Lander University docents.
Reporting Structure
The docent program reports to the University President. It is supervised and coordinated by the Division of University Advancement and the Office of University Relations. Docents are supervised by the department head in the areas where they are assigned.
Docent candidates must fill out an application, which is available upon request from the Division of University Advancement or Office of University Relations. Applicants will be screened and accepted based on their enthusiasm for meeting and talking with the public, their previous employment history, volunteer experience, special skills or training, and availability to volunteer a minimum number of hours each month. Candidates must also agree to submit to a criminal background check, the cost of which will be paid by the University.
