Our Graduation Stall Volunteers form part of a team attending the Open SU merchandise stall at OU graduations. Apart from engaging with excited graduates, their families and friends, and promoting and selling a wide range of fabulous OU branded merchandise to graduates, volunteers have an opportunity to take an active part in this special day by processing and celebration each graduate.
Learn more about what it is like to volunteer for the day by watching this video.
Graduation Stall Volunteer
Role summary
Would you like to gain teamwork and retail skills while being part of an unforgettable graduation day? Join us as a Graduation Stall Volunteer and represent the Open University Students Association at graduation ceremonies across the UK and Ireland, celebrating the achievements of fellow #OUstudents.
About the role
Graduation Stall Volunteers are part of a friendly team running the Open SU merchandise stall at Open University graduation ceremonies. On the day, you’ll play an active role in the celebration by welcoming graduates and their guests, promoting the work of the Students Association, and selling a wide range of OU and OpenSU branded merchandise.
This is a rewarding, high-energy volunteering opportunity that allows you to connect with graduates at a milestone moment in their OU journey.
What you will be doing?
On the day of the ceremony, you will:
- Work as part of a small team led by a Graduation Stall Coordinator
- Help set up and take down the merchandise stall
- Engage with graduates, families, and guests
- Sell OU and OpenSU merchandise
- Process payments and manual orders
- Complete required paperwork and monitor sales
- Promote the work of the Open SU
- Remind your team to submit expenses and feedback after the ceremony.
Time commitment
- One full day per ceremony (typically around 9am–5pm, depending on venue and ceremony times).
- Availability is required before and after ceremonies to support graduates purchasing merchandise.
- You may apply for one or more ceremonies if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Training and support
Training is mandatory and begins two to four weeks before a ceremony and consists of:
Online self‑learning (approx. 1 hour) covering:
- GDPR (keeping personal data secure)
- Safeguarding (protecting young people and vulnerable adults)
- PREVENT (preventing extremist radicalisation)
- Equality Duty (what it is and who it protects)
Graduation Stall‑specific training
You will also be asked to familiarise yourself with key Open SU policies, including Health & Safety and Sustainability.
All coordinators and volunteers use an online volunteer communications channel and app to receive venue details and stay in touch.
Only trained and fully onboarded volunteers will be able to volunteer at a ceremony.
Recognition
After volunteering, you will:
- Be asked to provide feedback on your experience.
- Receive a goody bag by post.
- Be able to request a digital certificate of volunteering.
Expenses
- Be able to claim up to £70 travel expenses and £20 subsistence per day.
- Please note that overnight accommodation is not provided.
Eligibility
To apply for this role, you must:
- Be a member of the Open University Students Union (Open SU)
- Live within approximately 50 miles of the graduation venue
- Agree to volunteer in line with the Open SU Volunteer Policy and Volunteer Agreement.
DBS check: Not required
Locations
Graduation Stall Volunteers are required at ceremonies in the following locations:
Dublin – Thu 12 March 2026 (14:30)
London – Sat 28 March 2026 (10:45 & 15:00)
Poole – Fri 24 April 2026 (14:30)
Birmingham – Sat 9 May 2026 (11:00 & 15:30)
Manchester – Fri 29 May 2026 (10:30 & 15:30)
Application closing dates vary by ceremony.
Benefits of volunteering
Benefits to you
- Develop teamwork and retail skills
- Build confidence and communication skills
- Meet fellow OU students and alumni
- Be part of an inspirational and celebratory day
Benefits to others
- Support graduates in celebrating their achievements
- Promote pride in being part of the Open University community
- Support OU students facing financial hardship through OUSET fundraising
Additional information
- DBS check required: No
- Activity type: In-person
How to apply
To apply, you must be logged into oustudents.com. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to register first. Applications close at on the advertised closing date for each ceremony.
Applications open in January 2026.