Master Gardener Volunteer Agreement
umn extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Volunteer Terms of Agreement
I wish to become a University of Minnesota Volunteer with the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
I understand that upon completion of this application and confirmation of acceptance, I will become a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Intern. To become a certified University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, I will need to:
- Complete the Core Course, which typically takes about 60 hours to complete. The cost of the core course is stated in the application materials. (Hennepin Co. requires an additional 5 education hours, which can be completed during monthly meetings).
- Complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer work through the county or local Master Gardener Volunteer program with which I am affiliated. The work must be completed by the end of the calendar year of my training, or a date agreed upon with the local leader.
I understand that if I do not complete the required volunteer work by the designated date or choose not to continue in the program after completing the Core Course, I may need to pay the University of Minnesota Extension the difference between the volunteer and non-volunteer rates for the training.
I understand that once I become a certified volunteer, the commitment is a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer work and at least 5 hours of continuing education per year to maintain my status as an active Master Gardener volunteer.
I understand that while volunteering as a Master Gardener Intern/Volunteer, I will be under the general direction of university staff. I understand that I may resign or the University may terminate my volunteer status at any time.
I agree to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including the University of Minnesota Board of Regents Code of Conduct (z.umn.edu/policycodeofconduct) and policy on Equity, Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Affirmative Action (z.umn.edu/policydiversityequityinclusionequalopportunity). I also agree to abide by all Extension and Master Gardener rules, policies, and procedures, including submitting recurring background check requests and completing safety of minors training (every three years), and following the Master Gardener Standards of Behavior (sites.google.com/umn.edu/mgweb/program-resources/policies-and-procedures/standards-of-behavior)
I understand that I may be hurt while volunteering and using University facilities and equipment. I assume the risk of injury and of any loss or damage to property. I am solely responsible for my acts and omissions in volunteering. The University does not make any commitment to me to compensate me for my losses.
I also understand that by volunteering I may be exposed to COVID or another communicable disease (“Disease”). By volunteering, I assume the risk for me, my personal representatives, heirs, and next of kin, that I will be exposed to and contract a Disease and, if that were to happen, that I may require hospitalization or other medical treatment and may be temporarily or permanently injured or disabled or may die. I also assume the risk that I could pass the Disease to others. I agree to take reasonable steps to lessen my risk of exposure to a Disease. By volunteering, I warrant that, to my actual knowledge, I and any individuals living with me are not infected with a suspected, diagnosed, or confirmed case of a Disease and are not exhibiting symptoms of a Disease. I also warrant that I have not been directed to quarantine or isolate at any point during the duration of my volunteering activities. If at any point during the duration of my volunteer service, I am directed to quarantine or isolate, I will stay home.
I also understand that public health conditions or state or federal guidance may change at any time, necessitating a modification to or a cancellation of my volunteering. In the event of a modification to or cancellation, the University will communicate with me as promptly as possible and share options.
In the case of an injury or medical emergency, I authorize the University to render first aid or obtain whatever medical treatment it deems necessary for my welfare. I will be financially responsible for all costs incurred, regardless of insurance coverage.
I understand that I may not volunteer if I am prohibited by federal immigration laws. By signing this agreement, I am confirming that I am allowed to volunteer because I am a United States citizen, a permanent resident of the United States, or I hold another status that allows me to be present in the United States and to volunteer.
I understand that I am not an employee of the University of Minnesota and am not entitled to receive compensation, including salary or benefits, insurance coverage or workers’ compensation benefits.
I understand that I am not authorized under this Agreement to speak for, represent, or enter into contracts or otherwise act for the University. In proper circumstances, the University will indemnify and defend me against claims arising out of my volunteer activities. This right is described in University Board of Regents Policy: Legal Defense and Indemnification of Employees , a copy of which is posted at regents.umn.edu/sites/regents.umn.edu/files/2024-05/policy_legal_defense_and_indemnification_of_employees.pdf.
I understand that this Agreement is personal to me and neither I nor the University may assign it. I understand this Agreement is the final and complete expression of my and the University’s understanding and agreement and supersedes and cancels all prior agreements, understandings or commitments related to my volunteering.
Also, I do hereby grant the University, its successors and assigns, agents, and all persons acting on its behalf the right to make, use, reproduce, modify, and distribute recordings, including photographs, of my physical likeness, and/or my property and publicly exhibit such recordings, in whole or in part, in any medium, without restrictions or limitations, for any purpose the University deems appropriate. I further consent to the use of my name and biographical materials in connection with such recordings. I release the University from all liability by virtue of any blurring, distortion, alteration, optical illusion, misspellings, inaccuracies, or use in composite form, whether intentional or unintentional, that may occur or be produced. I waive any right that I may have to inspect or approve the finished recordings.
My electronic signature is the legally binding equivalent of my handwritten signature on paper. I hereby irrevocably waive any claim that my electronic signature is not legally binding or enforceable. If I wish to sign a hard copy of this Agreement instead of an electronic version, I will contact the Master Gardener Volunteer Program at mgweb@umn.edu.
By signing below, I recognize that I am submitting my application to become a Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Intern/Volunteer. I acknowledge my understanding of the program’s vision, mission, priorities, and expectation for community engagement. Furthermore, I understand and accept the Volunteer Terms of Agreement and agree to abide by them upon my acceptance as a Master Gardener Intern/Volunteer.
The Master Gardener Volunteer Program uses MyImpact for all applications. Please select one of the options below to sign the volunteer agreement and complete your application.
