Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?
Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) is a comprehensive two-year college and one of 58 colleges in the North Carolina Community College System, serving students in five locations in Buncombe and Madison Counties. A-B Tech, through its dedication to student success, strives toward its mission to deliver quality education to enhance academic, workforce, and personal development. A-B Tech envisions changing lives and strengthening communities.
We are currently seeking registered Therapy Dog Teams to have regular routes on campus, visiting public areas, classrooms and staff offices. Our A-B Tech Therapy Dog program aims to spread compassion, empathy, and, most importantly, “pawsitivity” across our campus. A-B Tech Community College recognizes the positive influence that therapy dogs can have on student and staff.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
- Therapy dog teams (owner and dog) will visit public areas on campus, classrooms, and staff offices
- Therapy dog teams will also assist with special requests such as visiting classrooms before exams, counseling sessions or special events on campus.
Time Commitment:
- 1 hour once a week
- Therapy Dog teams are scheduled to ensure they are not in the same building or area at the same time as other teams.
Requirements:
- Must be 21 years old
- Complete volunteer application with A-B Tech
- Complete FERPA & HIPAA forms
- Submit to a criminal background screening
- Attend an in-person interview and orientation with A-B Tech Campus Volunteer Coordinator
- Provide copies of Therapy Dog Certification (Dog Teams must be certified by an accredited Therapy Dog Agency before starting).
*As of 2021, the Volunteer Program accepts Therapy Dog certification from the following agencies, Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Therapy Dogs International, Pet Partners (previously Delta Society).
Health & Safety:
- A-B Tech is following all CDC guidelines for higher educational institutions