Student Volunteerism as Experienced by the Campus Ministry Implementing Arms (CMIA) Volunteers of NDMU

This research is a single holistic case study that investigated the experiences of student volunteers working with Notre Dame of Marbel University's (NDMU) Campus Ministry Implementing Arms (CMIA). It looked into the experience of non-RE student volunteers at various ministries such as Catechism, Altar Servers Ministry, Sacred Arts Ministry, Lectors Ministry, and the Saint Cecilia’s Choir, which are all under CMIA. The study revealed that the CMIA volunteers see student volunteerism as the willingness to offer genuine service, being involved in diverse activities as a helping hand, being responsible with time, building good interpersonal relationships, enhancing self-esteem, and being responsive to the community needs. Time constraints, demotivation, and poor volunteer participation, in addition to uncertainty in task selection, are some of the challenges that CMIA volunteers face. As a result, these volunteers use different coping strategies, such as managing time effectively, prioritizing needs and relevant tasks, exercising foresight, and collaborative assistance. The study’s findings emphasize the importance of understanding the intricate nature of student volunteering with all its challenges and ways of overcoming them; this information may help those planning to work as volunteers in CMIA to better put themselves in their role, balance other responsibilities with volunteer roles, and develop themselves both socially and personally. The study underscores the need for supportive measures from CMIA coordinators and administrators, such as targeted training programs and proactive strategies to address common challenges. By implementing these recommendations, NDMU can enhance the volunteer experience, promoting growth and success for future CMIA student-volunteers.