Community Service

Community Service

Community Service at BridgeValley

Community Service Group Photo

What is Community Service?

Giving back to the community is an important part of your education at BridgeValley. Community service is defined as unpaid volunteer work that benefits others and improves the community as a whole. 

Here are some things to keep in mind about community service:

  •  You cannot be paid or compensated for your service.
  •  Activities completed for a class cannot be counted as community service.
  •  Service opportunities must be with a college-sponsored program, a government agency, or a non-profit organization.

Finding Opportunities

  • BridgeValley Organized Events: We offer various service opportunities throughout the year, such as blood drives, volunteering trips (Alternative Spring Break), and community events (Pumpkin Drop). You can also tutor at the Student Success Center to earn service hours.
  • Non-BridgeValley Opportunities: You can volunteer outside of college-organized events at places like hospitals, animal shelters, libraries, or other educational or non-profit organizations. Activities like babysitting or mowing lawns are not considered approved forms of service.

Who Needs to Complete Service Hours?

While community service is not mandatory for all students, there are certain groups with specific requirements:

  • WV Invests Grant Recipients: Must complete 2 hours per semester.
  • Student Organization Members: Must complete a combined total of 10 hours per year for their organization(s).
  • Above & Beyond Award Nominees: Must complete 100 hours per year.
  • Some Academic Programs: Requirements vary by program. Check with your department chair for details.

Recordkeeping and Recognition

  • General Service Hours: Track all your service hours using the official BridgeValley Community Service Form. Get it signed by a representative from the organization where you volunteered. Submit the form to the Office of Student Life as you complete your service (don't wait until the end of the semester!). Forms are available online or at the Office of Student Life (B2000 032A)
  • Above & Beyond Award: To be eligible for this award recognizing 100+ hours of service, submit your completed forms by April 1st. Honorees will be recognized at the annual Awards Banquet in April.

WV Invests Grant Program
If you receive the WV Invests Grant, you need to complete 2 hours of community service per semester. Use the separate WV Invests Grant Community Service Form for this purpose. These forms are also submitted to the Office of Student Life.

Important Note:

  • If you're only volunteering for the WV Invests Grant, you don't need to submit a separate BridgeValley Community Service Form.
  • However, if your service hours count towards both the WV Invests Grant and other requirements (organizations, Above & Beyond Award), you need to submit both forms.

Contact:
Office of Student Life: [email protected]