PVA

President’s Volunteer Award

The President’s Volunteer Award (PVA) is a prestigious recognition for UL students volunteering, both on and off campus. This award is officially recognised by the President of the University of Limerick and is noted on your UL student transcript, showcasing your commitment to civic engagement.

The President’s Volunteer Award is designed to:

• Encourage and sustain a culture of volunteering at UL.
• Foster partnerships between UL and local communities.
• Recognise and support the incredible contributions of student volunteers.
• Promote leadership and civic responsibility among students.

How It Works

To qualify for a PVA, you must demonstrate a commitment to volunteering throughout the academic year. All volunteer hours are logged and verified through studentvolunteer.ie.

Award Levels

Students can earn a Gold, Silver, Bronze, Plassey, or overseas volunteering award, depending on the number of hours they volunteer.

Volunteer anywhere – on campus, in your home county, or even abroad.

Overseas PVA – requires pre- and post-training with Comhlámh and a reflective portfolio.

How to Get Started

Find volunteering opportunities through University of Limerick | StudentVolunteer.ie
Log your hours.
Complete and submit your PVA application form.

Applying for the President's Volunteer Award

Step 1: Decide what award you are applying for. There are 5 types of awards: 

1. BRONZE: minimum of 20 hours of volunteering

2. SILVER: minimum of 40 hours of volunteering

3. GOLD: minimum of 60 hours of volunteering

4. Plassey: 12 hours in one semester - The Plassey Award recognises that international students spending one semester at UL do not have the same opportunities as those students spending a full-academic year at UL. Therefore, students spending one semester in UL may apply for the Plassey Award. To be eligible for this award you must show a committment to volunteering.

5. Overseas: Pre and post volunteering training provided by Comhlámh (www.comhlamh.org)
International Students: Plassey Award

Step 2: Ensure all volunteer hours are logged on studentvolunteer.ie and approved. (Overseas ensure pre and post training hours signed by Comhlámh).

Step 3: Complete the reflective portfolio. There are 7 questions and all that is needed are a couple of paragraphs. This application is designed to help you reflect on the impact and benefits that both you and the community organisation gained from your volunteering role (the reflective portfolio will be very useful when you are updating your C.V. and in job interviews).

Step 4: All completed applications must be submitted by 26th April 2024. The SVO office will review after the deadline and the status of your application will change here once confirmed. We will also email you to inform you of your award. Please keep an eye on your emails. 

Step 5: The PVA ceremony will take place during the Autumn Semester 2024.. All UL students are welcome to attend the awards. Email communication will follow once the date and venue have been confirmed.

About PVA

PVA Ceremony