Volunteer and Service-Learning Center Giving Big, Gaining Big!

Certificate of Recognition for Community Engagement

Buffalo State College students can earn a Volunteer and Service-Learning Center (VSLC) Certificate of Recognition for Community Engagement for extended involvement in community service, service-learning, and other community based work.

What is the VSLC Certificate of Recognition for Community Engagement? The VSLC Certificate of Recognition for Community Engagement represents your diverse commitment to social responsibility and community participation to potential employers and others in the community. The Certificate will distinguish you from other students as a resposible citizen and leader in the community. To obtain the certificate, students must complete at least 120 hours of service to the community while attending Buffalo State College. Transfer students may use service experiences from previous higher education institutions.

Credit and noncredit service hours can be combined to meet the 120 hour requirement, as described below. Successful completion of the requirements is recognized at the VSLC Celebration of Service in Spring 2012 where you will be presented with the Certificate, and recognized for your accomplishments.

Why Should I apply for the Certificate of Recognition for Community Engagement?

BSC students have reported that community engagement expands their personal and professional skills including: Written and verbal communication Public speaking Leadership Teamwork Problem solving

The VSLC Certificate of Recognition for Community Engagement will allow you to: Demonstrate that you care about your community. Demonstrate your community involvement to employers. Show graduate schools that you have been involved in the community. Make your resume stand out. Be recognized for your achievements. Show that you go over and above in your commitments and community.

Certificate Requirements

At least 120 hours of service are required and must be documented. The service should span your career as a Buffalo State student. We encourage a diverse array of service experiences, and the 120 hours may be fulfilled in the following ways:

• Classes with service requirements: You may count hours from service-learning projects or other course-based volunteer requirements. Classroom observations, junior participation,internships and student teaching are not considered applicable, as these are degree or certification requirements.

• Non course-based community service: You may count hours from community service not related to a course. This may include individual volunteer experiences, service as part of a student group, political involvment, or faith-based service.

• Community work study: Up to 40 hours from community work study with a nonprofit community based work study site.

Recognition Process

The 120 hours must be completed at the time of application and the following materials must be received in the VSLC by March 15, 2012. Please submit:

• The completed application cover page.

• A Service Summary Report (SSR) which serves as record of the service activities you are applying towards the certificate requirements. One SSR can be submitted for ALL service experiences including service-learning, volunteer, and/or community based work study. All information will be verified by VSLC staff.

• Supplementary materials relating to any of the service projects including faculty evaluations, letters of recommendation from site supervisors, journal entries, and other relevant data may be included.

Upon submission of complete, accurate, and verified application materials, you will be notified of approval, and the VSLC will present certificates to awardees at the Celebration of Service on May 1, 2012. For more information, attend a scheduled VSLC Community Engagement Orientation Session (time and date TBA), or contact the VSLC.

Updated: 10/25/2010