What is the difference between CSL and self-initiated volunteerism? CSL has an academic component associated with the service experience. CSL seeks to give students a deeper understanding of service through structured training, learning, reflection and evaluation. Self-initiated student service is service outside of the formal academic requirement, and is a great way to meet new people, see new places, learn about possible careers and expand your resume.
Can I count service hours I completed in the past to meet the CSL requirement? Unfortunately, retroactive hours cannot be accepted.
I am currently volunteering on my own through an organization I selected. Can this count as my community service? No, the requirement is only fulfilled during the term you take LEAD2001 and you complete the ten hours over a minimum of five site visits at one of the community service learning partner organizations.
What happens if I pass all the classroom coursework but don’t complete the 10 hours of community service? You will not successfully complete the course and will have to repeat it.
Will I get to pick the organization I work with? Each student will have an opportunity to indicate their top three choices from the list of nearly 25 community partner organizations. Every effort will be made to place each student at one of the sites they selected.
My favorite non-profit organization is not one of the community partners but would like to be. What do they need to do to become one? Any non-profit organization in the Charlotte area whose focus is hunger, homelessness, or education can contact Bernice Parenti, Wachovia Community Outreach Program Director, at 980-598-1005 to learn more about requirements to become a CSL community partner for the Charlotte campus.
I am a transfer student. Do I have to complete CSL? If you are a transfer student and have received credit for LEAD2001 Foundations of Leadership Studies you are not required to complete 10 hours of community service. However, the University strongly recommends that transfer students do complete a service project in the community; they should contact the Office of Community Outreach at 980-598-1005 to discuss service opportunities.
When will I learn about CSL? During the first week of each term CSL will be rolled out in each section of LEAD2001; during this session you will learn all of the details about CSL.
When do I start my service? Is there a deadline to complete it? Each term students will be given timelines by which they have to begin their service and deadlines by which service must be completed.
How do I start my service? You will first need to attend an on-site orientation at your community partner organization during the second week of the term. During the orientation you will learn about the site, meet your site supervisor and determine your service schedule. Then you will complete your service according to your arranged schedule for the rest of the term. Make sure that you understand the site's sign-in system for volunteers. You should also keep your own record of service hours by using the form in the Reflection Booklet, which will be given to you by your instructor.
What if I miss my orientation? Orientations are mandatory. You will receive the dates for the pre-scheduled orientations during the CSL roll out, along with a make-up orientation date; you must attend one of those orientations.
Does J&W provide transportation? J&W does not provide transportation for community service. Some sites are within walking distance of the campus; all sites can be reached via public transportation systems.
How do I find directions to a site? If you need further clarification, please contact the site supervisor, the Office of Community Outreach, or msn.com for maps and online driving directions.
What if I am having problems with my site? Students should do all they can to resolve any issues directly with their CSL site. However, if there are serious issues that cannot be resolved they should contact the Office of Community Outreach; contact information will be given to all students.
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