Jenzabar University

Ms. Valdijah Ambrose Brown

Director of Act 101/EOP, Carl D. Perkins Program, and Civic Engagement and Social Impact

Kenneth Schuler Learning Resource Center (Library), 3rd Floor

Telephone: (717) 391-7299

Fax: (717) 299-7710

Email: brownv@stevenscollege.edu

PROCEDURE

1. DEFINITION

1.1 Civic engagement encompasses the wide range of activities performed in a nonprofit, 501 C(3), community benefit organization that advances the agency mission with its constituents and the broader community.

1.2 Honoring the legacy of our benefactor, Thaddeus Stevens, the Stevens grant is provided to eligible students to promote access to educational programs and services by defraying the cost of attendance.  In return for receiving this benefit, students compete ten hours of service each semester they receive the grant.  As students provide volunteer service in local communities they are further perpetuating the legacy of Thaddeus Stevens who himself provided immeasurable service to his community and the Commonwealth.

2. POLICY

2.1 Thaddeus Stevens College is committed to encouraging diverse civic engagement activities throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to ensure students have an opportunity to engage in service in Lancaster County, their community of origin, and the College.

2.2. Internal community service projects within Thaddeus Stevens College should benefit the larger campus community.  These service projects are offered on a limited scale; therefore, students should be encouraged to complete community service within a nonprofit community benefit organization to allow them to serve, learn, and engage within the external community. In addition:

Service projects developed within the program of study should benefit the larger campus community or local community benefit organizations.

3. GUIDING PRINCIPLES

3.1 The core values of Thaddeus Stevens College apply to all community service activities, whereby students should embrace and upheld these values in their work ethic, communication, and action:

•  Integrity
  We value the commitment to high moral/ethical standards, honesty, and fairness in teaching and learning, social engagements, and professional practices.

• Diversity
  We value the recognition of the variety of unique individuals within our world and the interdependence upon each other, each other’s culture, and the natural environment.  We value the differences and respect the qualities and experiences that are different from our own.

• Respect
  We value the unbiased consideration, treatment, and regard for the rights, values, beliefs, and property of all other people. 

• Teamwork (Collaboration)
  We value working cooperatively and collaboratively as part of a group in which there is a shared mission and vision aligned toward a goal.

• Learning and Growth (Life-long Learning)
  We value the relentless dedication to increasing the knowledge and competences of all individuals associated with the College.  We recognize that human resources are the College’s only sustainable competitive advantage.

• Accountability
  We value the taking of responsibility for actions and the results of those actions; honoring obligations, expectations, and requirements; delivering what is promised; and owning up to shortcomings and mistakes.

4. RATIONALE

4.1. As a State funded postsecondary institution, built on the philosophy of our founder, Thaddeus Stevens, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology has a responsibility to contribute to the public good by making a substantial reinvestment into the Commonwealth, the funder, of the TSCT grant program. 

5. MANAGEMENT

5.1  Civic engagement hours should be completed in a timely fashion each semester.  Students are required to complete 10 hours of service and maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average to remain in good standing.

5.2  All community service is voluntary (without compensation).

5.3  All community service will be verified. Any falsified community service hours will result in the loss of the grant for the following semester.

6. QUALITY

6.1  Thaddeus Stevens College is committed to the highest quality of community service activities; therefore, as students engage in community service they do so as a representative of the College and should hold themselves to the highest level of professionalism.