If you’re in school, you may have experience with volunteering. Beyond being a great way to help out or just to spend time with friends while doing good, did you know you can get credit hours for it? It certainly qualifies as a learning activity, and schools are more receptive to it than you may think. So if you’re doing summer volunteering, think about these points ahead of time.
1. Clarify your school’s policy with accepting credit
It’s extremely likely that your school will accept volunteering for credit, but always make sure! Different schools have different policies, and while volunteering on its own is a wonderful endeavor, you should definitely get credit; you’ll certainly learn a lot!
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2. Ask your agency during the interview process - as early as possible.
The sooner your agency knows, the better! Depending on where you volunteer, they may need to make some sort of special arrangement to classify you as a student volunteer. Often, it may just be a simple heads up and a notice that they’ll need to write a letter of confirmation that you’ve satisfied your volunteer hours. It couldn’t be easier.
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3. Speak to your student advisor or Dean
Whoever your point person is at school, approach them, ideally while school is still in session. Not only will this be helpful in clarifying your school’s policy with volunteer hour credit (see #1), but you’ll also make them aware of what’s going on, and potentially make the process easier for getting your credit approved.
4. Connect your agency supervisor (or appropriate person) with your Dean
A simple E-mail introduction will give your two points of contact the opportunity to work out the details. Often you won’t even need to be involved in their conversations!
5. Can’t get credit? Don’t let it get you down
If by exceptionally rare chance, you can’t get credit hours for volunteering, don’t be bummed, and don’t let it sour your experience! Volunteering is fun and rewarding on its own merits. Just go in with an open mind and a positive outlook, and you’ll learn so much that you won’t even need those credit hours.
If you’re still on the lookout for your perfect volunteer fit, we’re here to help. Check us out and be sure to sign up for our free e-alerts so we can keep you in the loop on local volunteer projects that matter to you. Be sure to visit us on Facebook and Twitter, too.
