As part of the University Honors Program, students are required to complete a minimum
of 10 hours of volunteer service each semester during their sophomore year.
Volunteer service is any work that benefits and improves the community, whether on
or off-campus. The importance of volunteer service lies in its ability to connect
students with real-world challenges, raise awareness of social issues, and help meet
the needs of the broader community. Volunteering also offers personal growth, promotes
mental well-being, and enriches the lives of both students and those they serve.
Student Responsibilities
- Complete a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer service each semester during the Honors
Sophomore year.
- Service must be completed in whole-hour increments.
- Submit signed time sheets to the Honors Program Director by Reading Day each semester.
Supervisor Guidelines
- Students should not be required to drive a vehicle or engage in personal business
tasks (e.g., picking up clothes, babysitting).
- Volunteer service must benefit the community, not individual or student organization
interests.
- Participation in extracurricular activities (e.g., student government, cheerleading)
does not count as volunteer service.
- Students should not work more than four hours in one day.
- Tasks should not involve hazardous activities such as using power tools, lifting heavy
objects, or handling hazardous chemicals.
- Students should not be assigned to confidential tasks or duties typically handled
by work-study personnel.
- Students should never be responsible for caring for or supervising minors.
- Students should not be required to interact with individuals convicted of felony crimes
or sex offenses.
- Volunteer environments must be free from discrimination or the presence of discrimination
based on race, religion, sex, color, national origin, disability, age, or veteran
status.
