Service learning is a process in which students learn and develop through active participation in defined activities designed to benefit the community. Students develop skills in communications, group process and cooperation that serve them in the classroom setting. They also acquire competencies that serve greater society through more effective civic responsibility.

The program is structured to document student, faculty, and staff involvement in direct community and academic service learning activities. For students, activities include registration, placement, follow-up and reflections; for agencies, they involve preview and approval, registration, monitoring and evaluation; and for faculty and staff, they are orientation, service learning training, technical support and coordination.

North Carolina Central University requires all full-time, transfer and readmit undergraduate students to complete 15 clock hours of service learning per semester. This includes summer admissions as a means for addressing delinquent hours. This requirement may be modified by stipulations in certain scholarships, which may call for additional hours. Service learning hours for part-time students are prorated as follows:

• 0 – 5 credit hours = 4 clock hours of service
• 6 – 8 credit hours = 8 clock hours of service
• 9 – 11 credit hours = 11 clock hours of service
• 12+ credit hours = 15 clock hours of service

The Community Engagement office assists students, faculty/staff and community partners to create and manage service and engagement opportunities by:

• Linking students with appropriate service opportunities and providing orientation sessions regarding community requirements and expectations
• Assisting faculty in integrating service learning, community and civic engagement experiences into courses 
• Working with community partners to establish and enhance requested service opportunities

The Community Engagement office sponsors many fundraising events each year that support campus and community endeavors. We welcome your attendance and support. If you would like to donate funds to any of our community causes, monetary gifts can also be mailed to:

Office of Community Engagement
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC 27707