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The Purpose of Community Service
Belmont Abbey College takes social obligation seriously. The Benedictine Monks, who founded the college, realized the responsibility of hospitality, living out the Scriptural call to welcome all as Christ. This tradition is continued as students, faculty, and staff are invited to become active and vital members of the Abbey family, serving one another and the global community.
The purpose of the Community Service requirement is to encourage students to expand their existing perimeters and embrace members of their universal family. It is a chance for them to gain experiences and to cultivate relationships within the local area, and beyond. Community Service not only provides assistance to various constituencies, but it also provides students with invaluable opportunities to grow as engaged members of their community on and off campus.
Service to the community offers the opportunity to discover the varied needs of our neighbors and recognize those social concerns that surround us. Our students are invited to return to those projects and programs in which they feel their energy makes the most difference. As we gradually expand the long-standing tradition of a “Community Service Requirement” into a program that truly encourages learning, self-discovery, reflection, and community engagement, we are changing the guidelines and incentives.
Download the Community Service Documentation Form(PDF)
Community Service Guidelines
All students at Belmont Abbey College have the privilege to participate in the Community Service Program, and discover the many rewards of volunteering
This year, we are implementing a new way of recognizing the service of our students. Students who sign up for Community Service and complete a minimum of 10 hours a semester will have printed on their transcripts an official record of their commitment to the community. Imagine what future employers and graduate admission committees will think!
Each semester a variety of service projects are offered. Please check your Abbey email regularly to learn about upcoming activities. Notifications will also be communicated via flyers, bulletin boards, BAC Channel 17, and student mailboxes.
These are just the basics; please see all details described below!
What students need to know:
{STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR RECOGNITION}
Traditional, full-time students who register for Community Service (SL101, 102, etc.) when they register for classes, and complete a minimum of 10 hours a semester, will have printed on their college transcripts the completion of that semester’s Community Service non-credit “course.”
Example: SL101 for first-year, first-semester
SL102 for first-year, second-semester
SL201 for second-year, first-semester
This “course” is only considered passed if the student completes the FULL 10 HOURS for each semester. Prospective employers and Graduate Admissions committees will be able to see an official record of an individual student’s commitment to engaging in the community.
For students who go above and beyond the basic requirements for this program, there will be additional recognition awards given at the end of the academic year - 5 in the category of amount of hours worked, and 5 in the category of depth of involvement in an activity.
{PRE-APPROVED NON-PROFITS}
Students must work with a non-profit organization since such organizations are established in their objectives, and experience an ongoing need for volunteers. Pre-approved organizations are listed at the “Opportunities” portion of this site. Or click on the following link: www.belmontabbeycollege.edu/student-life/community-service/opportunities.aspx
If a student is interested in working somewhere other than one of the pre-approved organizations listed on the college website, he or she must seek approval from Erin Nelson BEFORE beginning the activity. Please note: No paid work will be awarded CS hours, nor will family favors such as babysitting, helping with a family business, etc.
Another way to find out about opportunities and connect with representatives of various local organizations:
Community Service Fair ::: Fall 2010 Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 Time: 9:30am - 12:00pm Location: Abbey Lane (if shine) Haid (if rain)
Just for attending the CS Fair in October, you could receive 1 Community Service Hour! Contact Erin Nelson in the Office of Residence Life to find out how.
{DOCUMENTATION}
All Community Service hours must be submitted on the completed Community Service Documentation Form. This form requires the approval and feedback of the supervisor directly involved in the activity, as well as the reflection of the student. It can be found at various offices on campus, including the Office of Residence Life, as well as on IQ Web. This form must be returned to the Office of Residence Life to receive credit. No recognition will be rewarded without receipt of the completed Documentation Form by the Office of Residence Life.
Each student is responsible for submitting his or her own form.
{DUE DATE}
In order to receive credit for service hours completed, students must submit all hours on the Community Service Documentation Form BEFORE the date that grades are due: December 13th, 2010 for Fall semester. May 10th, 2011 for Spring semester
{MONITOR YOUR HOURS}
Students will now be able to view how many hours they have completed by logging into their student account on Self Service.
{QUESTIONS?}
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Community Service, please do not hesitate to contact Erin Nelson in the Office of Residence Life at (704) 461-6893 or stop by O'Connell Hall Lobby.
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