 Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, CCSJ has developed relationships with a number of service agencies in and around Baltimore. As a result, Loyola students have the opportunity to become involved with one or more of approximately 50 agencies and programs. All CCSJ programs are supported by a team of student leaders and staff who facilitate preparation and reflection on service experiences. Most service opportunities are off campus, although there are some on-campus programs. Some experiences involve groups and others are one-on-one. To fit all schedules and interests, these service opportunities include one-time events, ongoing experiences through The Service Thing, and weeklong immersion programs. Students can serve at different times of the day and on different days of the week, including weekends, winter and spring breaks, and over the summer. CCSJ offers many different ways to get involved besides on-going community service. These include: one-time events, immersion programs, service-learning courses, and service and social justice awareness events. Please see the relevant sections on the Web site to find out more information about each of these opportunities.
During the 2007/2008 academic year, 2,267 students participated in community service and 160 students participated in a service immersion experience (SOS, UNITE, Spring Break Outreach, Project Mexico, Encounter El Salvador).
Service Coordinators are current Loyola undergraduate students who have been hired to help organize and implement community service programs. They work an average of 12 hours per week recruiting, preparing and supporting volunteers as well as communicating with service agencies to keep things running smoothly. Service Coordinators are also responsible for facilitating reflection for their volunteers to learn from and make meaning out of their experiences. Students interested in working as a Service Coordinator complete applications in January/February and go through an interview process before being hired for the following academic year. Click here for more information.
Service commitments vary by program. Students in The Service Thing commit to weekly service and three reflections each semester. Students participating in the Community Service Council commit to attendance at one or more one-time events accompanied by reflection. CCSJ's staff is dedicated to working with each interested student to find the service opportunity that best fits his/her interests, abilities and schedule. Students who have completed the driver’s authorization form are eligible to reserve vehicles through the Loyola University Motor Pool to use for transportation to and from service sites. The process of clearance to drive a vehicle can take up to 6 weeks. Once cleared, a student must request a vehicle no later than one week prior to the time when they wish to travel. Service Coordinators help volunteers to navigate this tricky process by setting up carpooling options. Bus passes are also available at CCSJ. Click here for more information about transportation. Every program is open to people of all faiths, traditions and beliefs. Those who desire to give, receive and learn through service are welcome to participate. Click here to see more about the Service-Faith/Spirituality Connection. At Loyola, part of our goal of forming “men and women for and with others” means helping students identify ways to incorporate service into their lives after graduation. CCSJ's staff offers resources and support to students as they consider various ways to make service a life-long commitment. Each year, CCSJ holds a Community Service Career Fair, inviting more than 30 programs to share their materials and experiences about post-college service opportunities. Reflection is an essential component of all CCSJ service experiences and provides students an opportunity to learn from and make meaning out of their experience. The Service Thing provides fun ways to allow that to happen! Students participating in weekly community service through The Service Thing engage in three reflections per semester (Preparation, Mid-Semester, and Final) while also building relationships with other members through bi-weekly community questions online. One-time events involve preparation before each event and one reflection after the activity.
The Service Thing is a membership organization through CCSJ for all students participating in weekly service at CCSJ service sites. In addition to weekly service, students in The Service Thing commit to engaging in three reflections per semester (Preparation, Mid-Semester, and Final) while also building relationships with other members through bi-weekly community questions online.
Click here to see more about “How to incorporate justice and service into life.”
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