Frequently Asked Questions

Students interested in Service-Learning are encouraged to view the Student Information page and visit the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement. Each student will need to submit a Service-Learning application. The office staff will then openly discuss the rest of the process. We also encourage students to check their course syllabi and talk to their instructors at the beginning of the term regarding course-specific requirements.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The collegewide service-learning team is located on the 3rd floor of Cocoa Campus Bldg. 12. Use the contacts below to connect with us.

Our office is open for walk-in services, or request an appointment to minimize your wait. We can also assist students with service-learning questions and documentation remotely via Microsoft Teams. Click for Teams access info.

Generally, the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement requires hours to be completed at a non-profit organization. A great starting place for students is the Community Partner Link Directory, which is a compilation of local non-profit organizations. When students are looking for a community partner at the beginning of the term, we recommend that they take the following into consideration:

• Instructor Requirements: To enhance the classroom experience, instructors often require a student’s Service-Learning to mirror the course curriculum, so it’s not uncommon for instructors to set course-specific requirements.

• Community Partner Restrictions and Requirements: Some community partners have age restrictions and other requirements (time commitment, orientations, etc.). Students should keep this in mind while choosing a community partner site.

• Career/Major Interest: To take full advantage of their Service-Learning opportunity, students should consider a site that will allow them to explore a career or major interest. It’s a great way to gain experience and network with the local community.

Students completing a Service-Learning option for a course should check with their instructor about time requirements. Any hours completed by the student that are thoroughly documented and verified are put on the student’s transcript (SHOAT). There are no maximum or minimum hour limitations when helping your local community.

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’re unsure whether or not an organization is non-profit, contact the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, and the staff can further assist you.

Yes. There are deadlines throughout the term, and it is crucial to adhere to them. Make sure all deadlines for individual instructors are met, as well as the deadlines set by the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement. View the Deadlines and Events Calendar for more information. It is also important to set a realistic timeline for yourself so you can minimize stress and fully enjoy the Service-Learning experience.

Yes. If students are motivated by this field, we encourage them to visit the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement so we can assist them in getting the most out of their Service-Learning experiences.

Course components are Service-Learning opportunities an instructor offers for extra credit in a class. This option requires the student to visit the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, complete the necessary forms, and perform the requisite number of service hours (as determined by the instructor).

The 4th/5th Credit option is an opportunity for the student to earn an extra credit hour on their transcript. This option has the same requirements as the course option for extra credit, in addition to the following requirements:

• Registration for the 4th/5th Credit Hour
• Payment of fees
• Completion of a 4th/5th Credit Hour Contract
• Attendance at a 4th/5th Credit Reflection Seminar 
• Some method of reflection as assigned by the instructor 

The Community Partner Link Directory is not all-inclusive. If a site is not included in the directory, contact the CSLCE so we can review it.

Any student interested in completing Service-Learning hours is welcome to do so. The completed hours will be recorded on their academic transcript (SHOAT). This is an option some students consider if they are curious about a specific major/career interest, or if they just have a passion for helping their community. If this is something that interests you, contact the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement so we can help you start your Service-Learning endeavors.

Generally, the answer is yes. If you are considering multiple placements, discuss this with your instructor and the staff at the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement in order to avoid complications later in the term.

The Citizen Scholar distinction is a highly sought-after accolade awarded to the most qualified Service-Learning volunteers. The requirements are as follows:

• 300 community service hours
• Ongoing reflective journal
• Three Service-Learning class components or 4th Credit Hour options
• 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 prior to graduation
• 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

Students can contact the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, or check their unofficial college transcripts via FloridaShines.

Presuming the student was an Eastern Florida State College student at the time the hours were completed, the adequate form is completed, and the hours can be verified, the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement can record up to 100 hours on the student's academic transcript (SHOAT). If the hours were completed prior to registering with the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, contact us so we can help.

Contact the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement regarding discrepancies between what is expected on a transcript and what is actually recorded. There are multiple reasons this may have happened. To avoid any complications, please remember and consider the following:

• Always keep copies of all forms 
• It is the student's responsibility to turn in forms in a timely manner, and to ensure they are filled out completely and accurately
• Students must sign in as required by their Community Partner; this is vital for end-of-term verification
• To avoid spending time at an organization we cannot accept hours from, the Placement Confirmation Form must be submitted prior to beginning Service-Learning

Absolutely! Students who have completed a minimum of 75 documented service hours and have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 are eligible to apply. Please refer to the scholarships page for specific deadlines, additional application requirements and scholarship terms.