Volunteer Policies and Framework
Community service and engagement involve actions that support community needs, promote the common good, work toward a just society, and create social change.
Service Activities Policy
The DSE supports student involvement in community-engaged work through Brandeis student organizations or DSE-sponsored programs, such as Rich/Collins Fellowship or MLK Day of Service. Service completed while enrolled at Brandeis can be approved to be tracked on Campus Groups. Independent service on Brandeis campus, or for an external non-profit organization, while a currently enrolled undergraduate student can also be approved to be tracked on Campus Groups, provided they meet the other criteria outlined in this Service Activities Policy.
Activities that can be submitted for approved service hours include:
- Direct service (e.g., tutoring, building homes)
- Indirect service (e.g., fundraisers, community organizing)
- Community organizing and advocacy activities (e.g., voter registration drives, writing letters to legislators)
- Planning for approved community service activities
- Training for approved community service activities
- Office hours for recognized Brandeis student service organizations, when those hours are for planning, training or organizing community service activities
- Mandated service hours
- Service-related trips sponsored by Brandeis student organizations
- Service activities sponsored by religious organizations affiliated with Brandeis University or the Center for Spiritual Life, including student organizations, provided they meet the other criteria outlined in this Service Activities Policy
- Service activities completed during summer breaks or between semesters may be submitted, provided they meet the other criteria outlined in this Service Activities Policy
These above activities may be submitted for approval, subject to review by the appropriate student organization or DSE staff.
Note:
- Volunteering on a political campaign or on behalf of a candidate for public office will not be approved.
- Service hours for external organizations that do not align with Brandeis’ Mission and Rights and Responsibilities (e.g.,being inclusive and open to all based on competencies and interests), will not be approved.
Documentation of Service for Non-Campus Groups: If students would like to submit service hours for organizations that are not a part of Brandeis and that are not sponsored by a Brandeis student organization, they must provide documentation and a rationale for their purpose and significance. These submissions will be reviewed by the Department of Student Engagement (DSE). The DSE will contact you for further verification if additional information is needed.
For questions, please contact DSE. The above list of approved service activities is not exhaustive and is subject to change.