Frequently Asked Questions in the Center for Community Service and Justice

Under which division is the Center for Community Service and Justice?
The Center for Community Service and Justice (CCSJ) a department within the Academic Division of the College. CCSJ works closely with the Student Development Division as well.
The Center is purposefully located in the Academic Division because its work is considered integral to the education of the whole student at Loyola.

How is community service organized?
Over the years, the Center for Community Service and Justice 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. These diverse programs share a common philosophy. Programs work primarily with persons who are materially poor, provide training for participants that will allow them to participate fully in the work.

What other types of programs does the Center offer?
The Center for Community Service and Justice 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 website to find out more information about each of these opportunities.

How many students are involved?
During the 2003/2004 academic year 1300 students participated in community service through the Center for Community Service and Justice. 130 students participated in a service immersion experience (UNITE, Spring Break Outreach, Project Mexico, Encuentra El Salvador).

What is a Service Coordinator?
Service Coordinators are current Loyola undergraduate students who have been hired to help organize and implement community service programs at the Center for Community Service and Justice. 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.

How do you become a Service Coordinator?
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.
 
How is the service commitment arranged?
Service commitments vary by program. Some occur on a weekly basis for the entire semester; others are one-time opportunities on a given day. The Center for Community Service and Justice staff is dedicated to working with each interested student to find the service opportunity that best fits his/her interests, abilities and schedule.

How do students get to their sites?
Students who have completed the driver’s authorization form are eligible to reserve vehicles through the Loyola College 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 in the Center for Community Service and Justice. Click here for more information about transportation.

Do I have to be Catholic to participate in programs through the Center for Community Service and Justice?
Every program within the Center for Community Service and Justice 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.

What opportunities are available for service after graduation?
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. The CCSJ staff offers resources and support to students as they consider various ways to make service a life-long commitment. Each year the Center for Community Service and Justice holds a Community Service Career Fair, inviting over 30 programs to share their materials and experiences about post college service opportunities with interested Loyola students. 

Click here to see more about “How to incorporate justice and service into life.”


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