 Frequently Asked Questions
The Center for Community Service and Justice (CCSJ) is a department within the Academic Division of the University because its work is considered integral to the education of the whole student. The Center also works closely with Student Development. 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. Service opportunities are organized differently depending on the specific agency or program involved. Most service opportunities are off campus, although there are some on-campus programs. Some programs involve groups and others are more one-on-one. Programs operate at different times of the day and on different days of the week, including weekends, winter and spring breaks, and over the summer. Programs work primarily with persons who are materially poor and they provide training for volunteer participants. 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. 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. Some occur on a weekly basis for the entire semester; others are one-time opportunities on a given day. 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. Click here to see more about “How to incorporate justice and service into life.” | 
