Brandi McKinney
Staff Writer
MC 301-01
Jackson State University students learn upon beginning their matriculation that 120 hours of community service is a requirement for graduation from the University. However, Eltease Moore, Community Service Coordinator of the Alice V. Harden Center for Service and Civic Engaged Learning, hopes they learn the importance of serving and volunteering.
According to the Jackson State University Community Service Guidelines, the emphasis of community service is on the people being helped and the service being offered. These services are designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, and to solve particular problems related to their needs.
“I don’t look at community service as a requirement. It’s a part of our core values here at Jackson State. We believe in service as one of our strong suits, something that’s a part of our mission. Community Service is intertwined within the experience of our students,” said Moore. “It’s a requirement, but I don’t look at it as a requirement because our students typically always give back.”
Moore added that the class of 2014 was the first class that was mandated for the community service requirement. The 120 hours was first instituted as a requirement with the Class of in 2010, but many student volunteers go above and beyond the 120 hour requirement.
Volunteers are people who do work of their own free will and without pay. Community Service must be completed through a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, or federal, state or local government agency.
“We don’t have anything in place right now [to honor students who exceed the 120 hour requirement], but we hope to get honor cords for students who go beyond the 120. It’s to be determined, but that is something I’m planning to work on. The University gets notariety within the community and with different partnerships we share with agencies. It builds our network and brand,” said Moore.
Moore encourages students to visit the center for more information on the 200 agencies that offer community service hours to Jackson State students like; The Boys & Girls Club, Salvation Army, and Operation Shoe String to name just few.
“Basically, volunteer locations are determined based on national requirements for community service. It has to be a non-profit organization, meaning the 501(c)3 or a state or local government agency. Any of those hours will be accepted,” said Moore.
Moore also stated that students can earn community service credit during the summer because in the past, you had to be enrolled in classes during the time of volunteering
“You actually can [earn community service hours during the summer] now, it was introduced last summer. As long as you have that agency sign the community service form and you bring the time sheet in before the deadline, we can put it on your PAWS account. It has to be a non-profit agency,” said Moore.
Many JSU students welcome the chance to serve and give back to the community.
“I think community service is necessary because that is why we are put on this earth to provide, service,” said Quentin Hendree, a junior marketing major from Memphis, Tenn
Kierra Johnson, a senior biology major from Horn Lake, Miss. agrees.
“Community service is essential because it makes the students become more aware of what’s going on in their community,” said Johnson.
Kaisha Allen, a junior biology major from Carthage, Miss. said, “I have enjoyed serving community service at Lottie Thornton Daycare. I have gained skill development, socialization skills, and most of all, personal growth.”
