Federal Recognition
In Spring 2010, the University of Charleston was named to the 2009 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction — the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement.
Community service opportunities and placements are coordinated by the Office of Student Life. Student Life is also responsible for tracking and reporting community service hours performed by individuals and organizations.
How do students benefit from community service? Students:
- Obtain skills that are transferable to the classroom, future work experiences, and their work with student organizations
- Learn more about the community and each other by connecting with a network of people
- Experience a feeling of "giving to others" and "community belonging"
- Build and enhance their teamwork and leadership skills
The Office of Student Life assists with community service by:
- Matching service opportunities with individual student or organization interests
- Being a contact point for several service projects throughout the county and state (including a listing of over 50 non-profit agencies in need of regular volunteers).
- Planning, coordinating, and assisting with the administration of campus-wide co-curricular service learning experiences.
Alternative Breaks
During the fall and spring semesters, a number of University of Charleston students decide to spend part of their winter and spring breaks helping others by participating in Alternative Spring Breaks. These week-long service learning experiences provide students with the opportunity to travel locally, nationally, or internationally to engage in a variety of service projects such as:
- Building and repairing homes
- Facilitating children’s activities in hospitals
- Teaching workshops about community service
Students must submit an application and participate in an interview process.