UHS Volunteer Eligibility FAQ
Research volunteers must be clearly identifiable as non-employees engaged in educational activities. When eligibility is unclear, activities must pause pending Dean’s Office review.
For additional details, please refer back to the Volunteer Eligibility webpage.
Who is eligible to serve as a UCLA Research Volunteer?
Eligible individuals include students not receiving academic credit or wages for the same project, post-baccalaureate learners, community members with relevant interest, and certain former or part-time UCLA employees if the volunteer role is clearly distinct and separately supervised.
Who is NOT eligible to serve as a Research Volunteer?
Medical students, postdoctoral scholars, professionally degreed individuals (MD, PhD, JD, PharmD), individuals receiving compensation for the same research work, current UCLA employees in similar roles, and most foreign nationals are not eligible.
Can UCLA employees volunteer in research roles?
Generally no. Limited exceptions require a distinct role, different supervision, a No Substitution of Paid Work Attestation, and Dean’s Office pre-clearance.
Can graduate students serve as research volunteers?
Yes, only if the volunteer work is outside the primary domain of their degree training, is not required for the degree, and is documented through a Domain Distinctness Attestation.
Can students receive credit and be volunteers at the same time?
Students may not receive academic credit under a volunteer status for the same activities.
However, UCLA undergraduates receiving UCLA credit for research ARE processed under the Volunteer Office and must be consistent and aligned with their corresponding Research Volunteer Scope of Duties (RVSD) Form.
Can minors serve as research volunteers?
Yes, the minimum age requirement is 16 years old for certain departments. Please refer to the eligibility page for a list of participating departments, as some may require additional review.
Minor volunteers are limited to designated low-risk roles as outlined in the Research Volunteer Scope of Duties (RVSD) Form and require parent/guardian consent, along with additional safety and compliance measures.
Can foreign nationals serve as research volunteers?
Generally no, unless participating through a formal unpaid institutional program with verified F-1 visa status from the UCLA Dashew Center, export control clearance, and restricted data protections.
Can someone receiving outside funding/stipends still be a volunteer?
No, unless the funding is strictly reimbursement for actual expenses and documented through an Outside Support Attestation.
Can professionally trained individuals volunteer for experience?
No. Professionally degreed individuals are not eligible regardless of intent or lack of compensation.
Who decides eligibility if a case is unclear?
The DGSOM Dean’s Office makes the final determination in all ambiguous or disputed eligibility cases.