Community Service

What is the program’s mission statement or statement of purpose? Why does the program exist?

In the simplest of terms, Student Community Service exists to fulfill the University’s mission of “the university community is committed to diversity and inclusion and fosters opportunities for student- faculty scholarship and applied learning experiences within a student- centered campus culture. Throughout their education, students refine their abilities to reason and to communicate clearly so as to become responsible citizens and leaders.”  Student Community Service works tirelessly to provide rich high engagement experiences to enhance the classroom learning at Eastern Illinois University (EIU).  Through the various experiences and partnerships, students are given the opportunity to engage in the process of becoming responsible citizens and leaders by identifying community needs and responding accordingly.  Eastern Illinois University's Student Community Service office is dedicated to cultivating citizens of character and integrity. We do this by offering EIU students purposeful opportunities and resources to complement the academic experience.  Further, as a growing number of academic classes partner in the service-learning experience, we see great growth in applied learning and future skills.  Student Community Service allows EIU students to further develop their skills and research by utilizing and benefiting from our local and regional communities. 

By participating in these programs and services, students are challenged to explore their leadership potential through student-centered programming, service and experiential opportunities. Our programs and activities support Eastern’s mission of enhancing the learning, educational growth, and development of students.

How does the program mission align with the university mission?

The program mission of Student Community Service is focused on challenging EIU students to explore their leadership potential through student-centered programming, service and experiential opportunities.  Our programs and activities supports Eastern’s mission of enhancing learning, education growth and development of students.  The mission of EIU is clear: a student-focused rich learning environment and Student Community Service exists to help fulfill this mission.  With strong connections to classroom learning, the opportunities and programs offered by Student Community Service allow students to grow in their personal and professional growth as they explore the needs of our campus and community.  We strive to keep the definition of community quite broad in the hope of reaching all neighbors, both local and international.  The program mission is built from and upon the energies and goals of the university mission.

Whom does the program serve?

This program serves a variety of individuals and constituencies.  A primary focus (most clearly and completely) is to serving the interests and passions of our EIU students.  We work with great energy to help connect any and all interested students (both undergraduate and graduate) with opportunities to become involved and serve in our local community while allowing students the opportunity to expand their professional experiences.  With over 5,500 students reporting volunteering in the past academic year – our partnerships with students come in many different forms.  We serve directly individual students, student organizations, academic classes and honor organizations.  We additionally serve our local and regional community through providing support and energy to various agencies and experiences in our community.  Staff meet regularly with over 50 local community partners and municipalities in hopes of learning and understanding better ways to serve our community.  We additionally recognize that we are not just serving a local community but a broader regional and even international community.  Our program serves students, faculty, staff, and community on a daily basis with high rates of effect, affect and success.

What are the services provided? How do these services align with the university mission and program mission?

The overarching service is to connect students to opportunities to make strong positive impacts in our campus and community.  Student Community Service provides one-on-one guidance to students, faculty and staff looking to make a community connection.  The office also serves as a resource and connection for numerous local, state and regional non-profit agencies, leaders and community members.  The overall service of Student community Service is to make a substantial positive impact in the lives of both students and our communities.  Clearly this is a strong alignment to the university and program missions.  The services are provided in a variety of ways/resources.  Student community Service is a student-driven office where students develop strong leadership skills by helping address various spoken and unspoken needs in our campus and community. Students work one-on-one, small group and large group settings to help and empower a positive difference in our world.  This work is completed by providing over 6 different focus areas with a variety of opportunities and programs ranging from marketing, community leadership, direct and indirect service.  The office provides weekly service, community meetings and leadership, and providing 5 significantly large service and outreach days. One significant service day is Jumpstart 2 G.I.V.E. which is an annual service day specific to new students.  This service day also engages over 30+ faculty who lead service reflection and discussion following service projects. This program has tremendous feedback from volunteers and has received strong positive feedback from communities and agencies.  In 2012, 96% of the Jumpstart student participants reported enjoying the day’s activities and 96%, of the Jumpstart student participants reported interest in becoming a more engaged citizen after the service experience.  This exemplifies the strong effectiveness of this program and partnerships as well as the high commitment to the University mission.  Each semester, Student Community Service provides and coordinates (through staff and student leadership) over 300 various programs and opportunities including direct and indirect service programs and experiences.

Describe the program’s origins (e.g. year established, purpose, expectations).

The Student Community Service office was established in fall of 2008 at the request of President Perry as one of the key priorities for the new president.  The initial purpose was established to connect and engage students in service and volunteering. The purpose was intentionally broad allowing for development over time of the office.    The expectations were set that in 5 years, this office would lead the hours of volunteering from a self-reported 42,000 hours to 100,000 hours.  Additionally, the goal was to engage 80% of the EIU student body in service and volunteering.  The office would report to the Vice President of Student Affairs and was housed in the Office of Student Programs to help allow strong partnerships with various student organizations including Student Government and Fraternity & Sorority Programs. 

How has the unit changed or adapted over time?

Quickly it was clear that Student Community Service filled a void and created incredible opportunity.  Within 4 years the program had surpassed the initial expectations and was recognized as a national leader.  Within 5 years, the program was serving as a national resource on effective and sustainable community volunteering and civic engagement. 

Initially started in 2008, Student Community Service had 1.0 full time staff and 1 student worker.  Today, the office has .5 civil service staff, 2.0 full time staff (professional), 2 graduate assistants and 8-10 student undergrad employees as well as 3-5 graduate/undergraduate interns each semester. The program has adapted to not only fill volunteer needs but to truly enhance and empower the communities we serve to grow and reach new levels. The same can be said for student leaders who develop strong leadership and organizational skills through taking on various focus areas with a drive and passion to be the difference.  The program’s greatest change was realizing the vast potentials were even more than first thought.  Currently the program serves thousands of students, numerous communities and partners with at least one department (typically more) in each college of EIU to enhance the applied learning through service learning and civic engagement experiences.  Student Community Service has become a strong resource for both on and off campus constituencies.

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the program’s history and relevance to university mission.

Provide data, if available, on the numbers of students, faculty, staff, or others served by the program during the past four years. If no data are available, please estimate the numbers served annually.

2013-2014: The work of Eastern Illinois University’s Student Community Service programs and opportunities positively affected over half a million community members.   Last year, students completed 118,000 hours of service.

2012-2013: 7,812 students participated in volunteering, 30 class partnerships and 425 program events.

2011-2012 - 7,522 students participated in volunteering,25 class partnerships and 300 program events.

2010-2011 -5,851 students participated in volunteering, 21 class partnerships (faculty/staff) and 150 program events.

2009-2010 - 4,773 students participated in volunteering, 19 class partnerships (faculty/staff), and 100 program events.

Does the program offer any co-curricular opportunities for students (e.g., internships, RSO support, service-learning activities)? Please describe.

Our office contributes tremendously to the co-curricular opportunities for students.  Last year alone we worked with over 30 different class sections on creating strong service learning experiences.  These partnerships ranged from simply program opportunities to semester long development of service learning curriculum and experiences.  Additionally, our office works with over 40+ RSOs, Hall Councils and Greek Chapters to increase leadership and volunteering.  Finally, the office does provide semester and yearly to graduate and undergraduate students in a variety of areas through our office including youth outreach, marketing, and poverty action. 

Does the program contribute to the delivery of academic programs (e.g., providing professional expertise, serving as adjunct faculty)? Please describe.

Our program works with a number of academic programs.  Our staff is called upon to share expertise in community development, public relations, volunteering and civic engagement.  Additionally, the partnership with EL3050 is a great example of the contribution to academic programs.  EL3050 has a lab component for 40 students to work with local youth in an educational setting.  Our program created and implemented the lab component which comprises of 3 different afterschool programs being coordinated weekly in partnership with EL3050 faculty and students.

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the internal demand for the program. Note any clarifications or special circumstances (e.g., curriculum changes made by another program) that should be considered when reviewing the above data.

Is the program accredited or approved by a recognized external agency or otherwise certified to meet established professional standards? Provide an executive summary of and link to the program’s most recent accreditation or certification report, if available.

Most notably is the national recognition by the Corporation for National and Community Service.  In 2012 and 2013, Eastern Illinois University was named on the President’s Honor Roll.  This is a strong national distinction by a highly credible source regarding community service.  The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, launched in 2006, annually highlights the role colleges and universities play in solving community problems and placing more students on a lifelong path of civic engagement by recognizing institutions that achieve meaningful, measureable outcomes in the communities they serve.  More information can be found at: http://www.nationalservice.gov/special-initiatives/honor-roll.  This is the highest honor available to universities and colleges regarding meaningful service and outcomes.   The Director is planning a late fall enrollment in the International Certification for Volunteer Administration program which will allow another strong certification to the program.

Is the program required to meet any regulatory or legal requirements? Is the program subject to any special auditing requirements?

No. 

What are the most important outreach or public service activities supported by the program?

Each semester over 300 unique public service activities are coordinated by Student Community Service.  Jumpstart 2 G.I.V.E. is the largest single day service event on campus and it provides amazing resources to the community through engaging 1,000+ new students at over 40 different sites.  Overall are activities range from public community events (National Make a Difference Day, etc) to various service projects at local agencies.  This ranges from weekly small group to monthly large group experiences. A few notable programs are listed below.  Due to length, only a few programs are listed but there are many strong and influential activities that benefit outreach and public service.  Student Community Service coordinates the Good Neighbor Program which reaches out to over 300 local residents to provide resources and support.  Additionally, our Adopt-A-Block program allows various RSOs to sponsor a street and ensure that neighbors are assisted and community is kept clean year round.  Further, Student community Service is an active partner in the fight to end hunger.  The office sponsors a “Giving Garden” where all vegetables grown on site and through partners is donated to local pantries.  The office also coordinates the local food pantry one night each week which provides more outreach and service to community.  Finally, we coordinate Summer Meal program (a free meal program to anyone under the age of 18) every weekday through the summer in Charleston and (starting in 2014) Ashmore area.  Also, Student community Service partners or coordinates 4 various afterschool programs (serving over 200 local youth) in multiple communities.  These programs are coordinated by student leaders and volunteers are committed EIU students. 

How do the local community and the region benefit from the program?

Student Community Service staff and student leaders serve on various local and state boards for various non-profits and agencies.  Every day the community benefits from our program. A community member has better access to an agency resources, connects with a new neighbor a new community event sponsored by this office and finds new answers to  concerns – these are just a few of the ways that our communities benefit for the program.  In our five years we have created or expanded numerous (50+) new programs and resources based on specific needs from the community including poverty, youth programming and community resourcing.  We are leaders in the board room and change makers in the community.  One of the most exciting parts is that so much of the program’s work is with student leaders taking key roles.  To date, the work of Eastern Illinois University’s Student Community Service programs and opportunities positively affected over half a million community members.   Last year, students completed 118,000 hours of service.  The Corporation for National and Community Service announced that an hour of volunteering is worth $22 to a local economy.  With this logic, EIU Student Community Service provides $2,596,000 back to our communities in service.

If needed, provide supplemental comments or data sources to help the reader understand the external demand for the program.

What are the two or three more important measureable outcomes tracked to assess program quality? Does the program conduct an outcomes assessment, and if so, what has been the impact?

Program quality can be tracked in various measures.  One measure is to seek the quantitative experiences of EIU volunteers.  For the current semester we have found a number of results that validate measureable outcomes.  98% of student volunteers report a desire to volunteer again during their semester.  Average GPA of volunteer students is a 3.3.  Student volunteers range from every discipline at the university with a higher return from College of Arts & Humanities. 

Additionally, Jumpstart 2 G.I.V.E. data reflects a strong positive view .  In 2012, 96% of the Jumpstart student participants reported enjoying the day’s activities.  In 2012, 96%, of the Jumpstart student participants reported interest in becoming a more engaged citizen after the service experience

A survey to local non-profit partners asks various questions and seeks various outcomes including the usefulness of EIU students and civic engagement efforts.  The latest survey was completed in summer 2013 and results showed that 98% of community partners found great value in EIU student volunteering and we received incredibly strong qualitative feedback. 

Additionally, we track the number of persons and counties positively affected by work of EIU students and we have seen these numbers grow tremendously over the past five years. We are now able to include an international reach. 

This field (volunteering in higher education) is still a relatively new field and we are eager to continue and build additional measurable outcomes and assessments. 

What are the two or three most effective best practices that the program has implemented? What benefits have been gained from implementing these best practices?

There is a growing national trend of positive relationships between institutions of higher education and schools, non-profits, government, and neighborhood organizations. This can be done effectively by establishing collaborative long-term partnerships between campuses and communities. This work is completed by our office in a variety of techniques.  3.5 years ago, EIU Student Community Service partnered with the Lumpkin Family Foundation to provide a quarterly gathering of Coles County specific non-profits called “Non-Profit Time Out.”  The time-outs allowed agencies to come together from various sectors and discuss broader needs and concerns.  Out of these meetings, numerous new county and multi-county initiatives have started.  Additionally, staff at Student Community Service meets regularly with various city leaders and non-profit leaders to ensure that the needs are best understood. Further, staff form strong connections with Residence halls through “Paws for a Cause” program which allows each residence hall to “adopt” a local non-profit and partner on various programming throughout the year.  Additionally, for volunteering and engagement that requires a semester commitment, volunteers are led through various programming with the office and agency. This allows for a much richer experience for all involved. 

What external recognitions (e.g., awards, accommodations, professional certifications, references in trade publications) have the program and its staff received in the past three years?

2012, 2013 – Eastern Illinois University included in the President’s Honor Roll for Community Service (award recognizes top 500 universities and colleges in volunteerism and service)

2013 – Eastern Illinois University named as one of 50 lead universities/colleges chosen to lead national discussion and examples of civic engagement through NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education)

2014- Director to receive International Certification in Volunteer Administration

Is the program active with any regional, national, or international professional organizations?

Student Community Service works with a number of regional and national organizations. Of highest note is the work with Serve Illinois and NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education).  In both partnerships, EIU is respected as a leader in the volunteerism and civic engagement field.

Note any presentations, publications, or offices held in the last three years.

Director has spoken at various local, state and national conferences.  Of highest acclaim is a presenter at 2013 National Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Conference hosted by NASPA.  Director has also led various workshops and training for Illinois CASA and various state universities within Illinois.  Additionally, director speaks locally to various city leaders, agencies and student state organizations about volunteering and engagement.

If needed, provide supplemental comments or data sources to help the reader understand the quality of program outcomes.

Note any special benefits (e.g., personnel support, equipment, permanent improvements) that the program has received in the past three years from its grants and other sponsored programs.

Student Community Service was one of the partners on the EUDL grant which was a multi-year $100,000 grant from the Department of Education.  The grant was coordinated by Student Standards.  Director was one of the original authors of the grant during her tenure at EIU Health Education and Resource Center.  

How does the program benefit from donor gifts (e.g., scholarships, endowed chairs)? Does donor support provide a significant percentage of the program’s overall funding?

The office benefits from many local and national partnerships in where organizations and individuals donate commodities to the office to support the external work.  These donations are in the form of supplies for various service projects and experiences. 

List two or three key relationships that the program maintains with external constituencies (e.g., community colleges, other universities, government bodies). How do these relationships advance the university mission or otherwise benefit the university?

Student Community Service has many key relationships throughout the region.  A number of these relationships are with strong visionary non-profits, e.g. Salvation Army, American Red Cross. These relationships allow for richer experiences for our students and greater benefits and resources to our community.  Additionally, student Community Service has a strong working relationship with key contacts in various cities in a tri-county area.  These relationships allow again a stronger and richer service experience as well as a more defined role for partnership with each municipality.  Out of these key relationships have come new programs and resources to our communities.  Additionally, these programs and resources allow stronger and new experiences for our students in developing skills and experiences. 

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the resources generated by the program. Note any clarifications or special circumstances (e.g., revenue pass-throughs) that should be considered when reviewing the above data.

Provide an executive summary of and link to any metrics or benchmarks that the program tracks to measure productivity.

Hours of Community Service Completed by EIU Students

Number of EIU Students Participating in Community Service

What initiatives has the program implemented to enhance staff productivity (e.g., access to training, workflow improvements)? Briefly describe the costs and benefits of these initiatives.

In a want to increase effectiveness, Student Community Service opts to employee 10+ student employees as opposed to hiring a full-time professional. This provides great leadership experiences for students and tremendous cost savings to budget.  Additionally, Student Community Service, Student Life and Fraternity & Sorority Programs partner together on various trainings and office planning to save time and resources. 

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the productivity of the program. Note any clarifications or special circumstances (e.g., accreditation requirements, curricular changes, program restructuring) that should be considered when reviewing the above data.

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the costs associated with the program. Note any clarifications or special circumstances (e.g., expenditures made centrally or externally, expenditures made on behalf of other units) that should be considered when reviewing the above data.

Student Community Service also executes a number of community events geared around enhancing community relations and experiences, a benefit to the entire institution.  Of particular note, is the funding of tailgate area before each regular season home football game. Over the past four years we have seen attendance at the tailgate area drastically increase in families and communities members.  This notable increase has occurred due to enhanced funding of tailgate family experiences which are highly attended now by students and community members. 

How does the program seek to distinguish itself from similar programs at other institutions?

In our core design, Student Community Service is a unique forward thinking model of civic engagement and volunteerism.  We are tasked with the unique task of “enhancing our community” which means our staff and students take ownership of our community.  We are not simply here to answer needs; we are here to create solutions.  This is a focus that many of our peers at other institutions are not allowed to have. The vision of Dr. Perry allows us to do much more than simply broadcast needs…we are tasked to make a positive impact.  Additionally, our national recognition through President’ s Honor Roll and elite membership in the Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement as a Lead Institute through NASPA also separates us from other institutions. 

Note any unique and/or essential contributions that the program makes to the university.

Every partnership that Student Community Service forms provides a unique contribution and partnership as our partnerships allow for richer educational experiences and strong community relations connection and building.  Having a local, regional and national influence in the discussion of civic engagement is a key way in which we uniquely contribute to the university.  Additionally, our ability to quickly respond to educational or community needs allows for a strong contribution.  For an example, the Food Pantry wanted to expand hours to meet needs of students and community but no staffing was available.  EIU Student Community Service partnered and now our office (through students and staff) coordinate an evening at the pantry.  This is just one of the many unique contributions that our office provides.  Additionally, we work tirelessly with agencies to continue addressing tomorrow’s needs and not simply today’s wishes.  This forward thinking allows EIU to be a ground partner of new developing practices and partnerships in our local counties. 

Provide any program-specific metrics that help to document program contributions or program quality. Examples of some commonly used program-specific metrics may be found here.

Due to space, the simplest metric to show is involvement and engagement by EIU students since our office started in fall 2008.  More data available upon request.

Hours of Community Service Completed by EIU Students

Number of EIU Students Participating in Community Service

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the program impact on the university mission.

Provide a link to or listing of the program’s goals and/or strategic plan.

Goal: Increase EIU Student Volunteer Hours to 150,000 Hours annually.

Goal: Increase the percentage of EIU Student Volunteer to 80% of student body.

Goal 3: Enhance the service learning options for academic classes by working closely with faculty to increase the availability and ease of courses with a service component.

What role will the program have in the implementation of the university’s strategic plan (provide link to strategic plan)?

Academic Excellence: SCS continues to engage in service-learning discussions which certainly attribute to the critical thinking of this institution.  Plans are laid for a spring survey and speaker to help move this goal forward. 

Marketing & Communications:  SCS went through a substantial marketing review this past Spring and is pleased to announce a new marketing campaign for both the Good Neighbor Project (Welcome to the Neighborhood) and SCS (Stand, Sign and Speak Up).  We are excited about the rollout this fall 2013/spring 2014.

Campus & Community Life:  SCS continues to expand partnership and leadership both with internal and external partners/clients.  Further, all SCS events are directly added into the main EIU calendar and this has been a great help in not only promoting our events but educating on the sheer number and diversity of our events.  We further continue to be a key collaborator with many across campus and the tri-county area.

Financial Sustainability: SCS continues to receive through partnerships, a substantial number of in-kind donations and commodity donations.   This allows us to continue offering dynamic partnerships and creative responses in our community.  Additionally, SCS continues to review/revise all partnerships and programs to ensure that time and funds are spent in the most useful and impactful areas.  

Emerging Technologies: SCS has become an official partner with the National Service Awards, organized by The White House.  This includes a new feature/ability to online logging.  Joining this service allows us to be at the fore-front of service hour collection.  Additionally, the latest version of TecNet system via EIU for online registration will provide more accessibility.  Finally, we are moving our surveying to an online portable option which should continue to make our office more accessible to all. 

Global Competition:  SCS is delighted to have formed a partnership with the United Nations.  This directly impacts our international reach and partnerships. We have also connected with an orphanage in Africa with direct connections to East Central Illinois. We are truly making ourselves a global presence.

In the next two or three years, what best practices, improvements in operations, or other opportunities to advance the university’s mission are likely to be implemented?

We will continue to see dramatic increases in service and civic engagement occurring inside and outside the classroom.  We have seen marked increase in connections and discussions with faculty members and we are excited about future conversations and planning. Work like the lab in EL3050 suggests a growing trend to high impact service learning at Eastern Illinois University. 

A strong increase in direct volunteerism will be witnessed based on the growing trend over the past five years.  This growth will allow for establishing new community partners and engagement opportunities. 

Further, we see our program positioning to be the regional leader in high quality results driven afterschool educational programs.  A pilot program in spring 2013 showed marked academic improvements in youth participating in the program in Arcola Elementary School.  Based on this measurable success, we see continued growth and opportunity for our students, faculty and staff in this area. 

Our staff will continue to show great leadership in regional and national discussions concerning volunteerism and civic engagement.  As our program enters Year 5 and Year 6, we anticipate much more development of assessment tools as we continue to map the high effectiveness of the work of Student Community Service and its relationship to the University and mission. 

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand future opportunities for the program.