Community Service Hours
Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your service hours!
All UIW graduates must complete 45 hours of service to graduate.
Reasons not to procrastinate:
- Many agencies require orientation and background checks that may take 2-3 days.
- Your busy schedule may only allow you to perform service during the weekend; many organizations fill up quickly, or do not operate on the weekend.
- Completing hours early ensures you are doing something you enjoy, rather than having to do a job because you waited too long.
- Many agencies have a grand fundraiser or gala; by volunteering early you may be invited to attend the event as a volunteer or guest.
Things you should know:
- Ask for the volunteer coordinator of the agency to which you are applying. In many cases this person knows where help is needed and can place you quickly.
- If you take a break from volunteering have the coordinator sign your service form before you leave; many non-profit agencies have a high employee turnover rate the same coordinator may not be there when you return.
- Make a copy, make a copy, make a copy of your service form.
- You make pick up forms from your ADCaP Center, the Registrar’s Office, or Campus Ministry in AD building room 146.
- Turn in your service form to your ADCaP Advisor, the Registrar’s Office in room 129 AD building, or mail: Registrar’s Office 4301 Broadway, CPO 304, San Antonio, TX 78209
- If you mail, make sure it is the original and not a copy.
On and Off Campus service:
- Of the 45 hours required 15 may be earned on campus such as Light the Way, Phonathan or assisting with baccalaureate mass.
- Off campus locations are anything off campus including the retirement community adjacent to the University.
What counts as service?
- Helping people in need and organizations that are consistent the Mission of UIW.
- You may not be paid.
- If you are helping at an event, field trip, brownie group etc because you have a daughter, son, niece, nephew or relative it does not count.
- Internships, practicums, clinicals or earning course credit do not count.
Why volunteer?
Other than it is required look at it this way…
- It is an opportunity to network, meet other people, you never know who you will meet.
- Many organizations allow children; it is an excellent opportunity to earn hours and spend time with your family.
- It is an opportunity to have time alone away from your family.
- Learn what is going on in San Antonio and the agencies making a difference in the community.
- If your thinking about changing jobs, its an excellent opportunity to find out what you enjoy doing.
Stumped for ideas?? Try these…
Neighborhood Conferencing Committee: Serve on the committee that assesses and assigns 10-13 year old first time Class C Misdemeanors referred from Municipal Court.
Wildlife Rescue: Transport rescued animals to refuge, or care for animals on refuge premises.
Habitat for Humanity: Wednesday-Saturday help future homeowners build a home they could otherwise not afford.
San Antonio Food Bank: Help rescue food product from conventions, or stock and organize food pantry as donations arrive.
Ronald McDonald House: Friday 6pm-Sunday 6pm Weekend manager to check in/out families. Prepare rooms and launder linens.
Access a list of agencies, upcoming opportunities, on going projects through our web site: http://www.uiw.edu/campusministry/
For more information stop by AD building room 146 or contact:
Social Concerns Coordinator
4301 Broadway CPO 29
San Antonio, TX 78209-6397
210-829-3128
