Service-Learning FAQ
The CSLCE is centrally located on the Cocoa Campus (Bldg. 12, Rm. 305).
The Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement generally requires you to complete your hours at a non-profit organization, but if you are interested in another placement (such as with a local, state, or national government agency), please visit us to discuss your options.
When you look for a community partner at the beginning of the term, we recommend that you consider the following:
- Your instructor's requirements (sometimes they ask that your service-learning experience mirror the course curriculum)
- Community partner requirements (age, time commitment, orientation, etc.)
- Your personal career and major interests
You should also review our Community Partner Link Directory (PDF), which is compilation of local non-profit organizations. If a site is not included in the directory, please contact the CSLCE so that we can review and add it.
The CSLCE does not set a maximum or minimum requirement for service-learning hours, but if you are completing a service-learning option for a course, be sure to confirm any time requirements with your instructor.
A non-profit organization is formed for the purpose of serving a public or mutual benefit other than the pursuit or accumulation of profits for owners or investors.
If you aren't sure whether an organization is non-profit, contact the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, and the staff can further assist you.
Yes. There are multiple deadlines throughout the term, and it is crucial that you adhere to them.
If you are completing a service-learning option for a course, it is important to meet the deadlines set by your instructor, as well as those set by the CSLCE. Should these deadlines contradict one another, the dates set by your instructor take precedence over those of the CSLCE.
You can view a summary of CSLCE dates and deadlines here:
Course components are service-learning opportunities that an instructor offers for extra credit in a class. This option requires you to visit the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, complete the necessary forms, and perform a required number of service hours (as determined by the instructor).
The 4th/5th credit option provides an opportunity for you to earn an extra credit hour on your transcript. This option has the same requirements as the course component option, in addition to the following requirements:
- 4th/5th credit hour registration
- Fee payment
- Completion of a 4th/5th Credit Option Contract (PDF)
- Attendance at a Reflection Seminar
- Some method of reflection (as assigned by the instructor)
Anyone interested in completing service-learning hours is welcome to do so, and these completed hours will be recorded on your academic transcript (SHOAT).
Some students consider this option if they're curious about a specific major or career interest or simply have a passion for helping their community.
If this is something that interests you, please contact the CSLCE to get started.
Generally, yes. If you are considering multiple placement sites, please discuss this with your instructor and the staff at the CSLCE in order to avoid possible complications later in the term.
The Citizen Scholar distinction is a highly sought-after accolade that is awarded to the most qualified service-learning volunteers. The requirements are as follows:
- Completion of 300 community service hours
- Reflection journal
- Three service-learning class components OR 4th credit hour option
- Three credit hours of community service academic classes, such as SOW 2054 (Community Involvement) or SOW 1051/1052/1053 (Human Service Experience I/II/III)
- Integrative final essay
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
Upon satisfactory completion of the requirements, the student will receive:
- Citizen Scholar Certificate
- President's Letter
- Recognition at the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement's annual volunteer recognition event
- Notation on college transcript
- Convocation acknowledgement in graduation program
- Cord of distinction at graduation
To view service hours on your transcript, contact the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement or check your unofficial college transcript through FloridaShines.
If there is a discrepency between the number of hours you are expecting to see on your transcript and the number of hours actually recorded, please contact the CSLCE directly.
To minimize possible discrepencies, keep the following tips in mind:
- You are responsible for turning in complete, accurate forms on time
- Always keep copies of all your forms
- Submit your Placement Confirmation (PDF) before you spend any time at an organization in order to verify that the CSLCE can accept those hours
- You must sign in at your placement site as required by your community partner (this is vital for end-of-term verification)
The CSLCE can record up to 100 service hours that you completed before registering, as long as:
- You were enrolled at EFSC when you completed the hours
- The hours can be verified
- You submit the required paperwork
For more information or to begin this process, please get in touch with us.
Yes! If you have completed a minimum of 75 documented service hours and have an overall GPA of at least 2.5, you are eligible to apply.
Learn more about the deadlines and requirements: