The Impact of Institutional Mission on Student Volunteering

This study examined patterns and predictors of volunteering among students at a liberal arts college with an institutional culture that strongly promotes community service. Results showed that predictors varied across four different types of volunteering: community service, social action, religious service, and service to the college. Year in school, academic performance, and familiarity with the college’s mission statement were the most consistent predictors, but only familiarity with the mission was significantly associated with all types of volunteering. Thus, one way to increase volunteering may be to promulgate an institutional mission statement emphasizing service to others.