The Victims Advocate Network (VAN) is a group of volunteers comprised of UT Faculty and Staff to serve staff, students, and visitors impacted by crime or other distressing events on campus. We are a 24/7 on-call network that responds at the request of UT police officers. We provide Mental Health First Aid and linkage to the appropriate campus or community resources for ongoing support. You may contact the VAN by calling 512-232-9699.
"I know how much of a difference a little bit of unconditional support can make. I want to make that kind of a difference in a person's life at a time when they need it most. The UT Victims Advocate Network gives me that opportunity." -Andrea, VAN Volunteer
Become a VAN Volunteer
Volunteer Eligibility
- Must be a faculty or staff member
- Must have a working cell phone
- Must have state-required insurance for your vehicle
- Must be available for on-call availability each month, with flexible scheduling options available
Volunteer Application Process
- Submit completed supervisor approval form
- Submit completed volunteer application
- Pass Criminal Background Check
- Interview with VAN Program Coordinator
- Complete two ride-outs with UTPD Officers
- Additional training components required during candidacy following completion of application process
Note: President Fenves has approved up to 4 hrs per month of work time to be used for service or required training for VAN.
Forms and Applications
- Information Release Authority (PDF)
- VAN Supervisor Approval Form (PDF)
- Victim Services Volunteer Application (PDF)
- Submit Certificate of Completion to Texas Victim Assistance Training (TVAT) -- A self-paced online training
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for VAN, please fill out all applications and submit them to victims-network@austin.utexas.edu or attend one of our upcoming information sessions.
Be sure to check out the KXAN story and video (screencapped above) on the UTPD VAN Program!