Frequently Asked Questions in the Center for Community Service and Justice
The Center for Community Service and Justice (CCSJ) is 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. 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, and provide training for participants that will allow them to participate fully in the work. 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. Approximately 57% of Loyola students were involved in one or more service programs while at Loyola. 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 15 hours per week recruiting, preparing and supporting volunteers as well as communicating with service agencies to keep things running smoothly. Student Program Assistant positions are 7-15 hour per week paid positions. These students serve in a leadership role within a specific CCSJ-affiliated service program and/or have some specific programmatic responsibilities (Best Buddies, Ignatian Family Teach-In, Habitat for Humanity fundraising, Creative Assistant, Project Health, etc.). Student Program Assistants also provide the necessary support to volunteers to ensure that they have a meaningful learning experience. This includes communicating with the agency, facilitating the placement and transportation of volunteers, and helping volunteers to reflect on their experiences by thinking about the broader social justice issues inherent at their site (when applicable). Students interested in working as an SC/SPA complete applications in January/February and go through an interview process before being hired for the following academic year. 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. 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. 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. 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. Top of Page Table of Contents | 
