Requirements and Guidelines
CHANGES IN SERVICE HOUR REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CLASS Of 2024 DUE TO COVID-19 (Effective 5/21/21)
The service hour graduation requirement has been adjusted to 110 hours for the class of 2024 due to the circumstances surrounding Covid-19. This spreadsheet gives an overall picture of the expectations for classes.
Our motto of “serviam” has not changed and our gospel call to serve is needed now more than ever. We need to be “creative and bold” as St. Angela would say as we respond to the current needs of our world. If you are aware of additional opportunities we would be grateful if you shared them with Mrs. Weston. In-person opportunities are available based on the comfort level of parents and students and you are welcome to volunteer in these settings. Local food pantries are in desperate need of assistance.
Graduation Requirements
For students entering as freshmen:
60 hours of released time for junior service project, plus 60 additional hours during her time at Ursuline, totaling 120 hours. Hours given during the summer prior to a student’s enrollment into Ursuline are accepted.
For students entering as juniors:
60 hours of released time for junior service project, plus 20 additional hours during her time at Ursuline totaling 80 hours.
For students entering as sophomores:
60 hours of released time for junior service project, plus 40 additional hours during her time at Ursuline totaling 100 hours.
For students entering as seniors:
20 hours of service during her time at Ursuline totaling 20 hours.
In an effort to help our students complete the required number of hours for graduation, we strongly encourage 20 hours of service be completed during each of the student’s first three years. With this approach, students will complete all 120 hours after the released time at the end of junior year. If a senior fails to have the required number of hours completed by the beginning of December, she loses all senior privileges until the necessary hours are completed. This is not the case for exam exemption, however. Once this privilege is lost, you are not eligible for exam exemption. All service requirements must be completed by April 1 of the student's senior year in order to participate in any graduation ceremonies.
Guidelines
Our criteria for service include the following:
Help given without pay or compensation,
Help given to those who cannot afford to pay and
Help given which directly benefits people, especially those in need.
We encourage our students to seek out service experiences in their Church and local community through non-profit organizations which enable them to reach out to those most in need of their time, talents, care and concern. Service to for-profit organizations does not meet our requirement. Since we expect that our students are already generously serving their families, service hours to families are ordinarily not accepted. Babysitting hours are also ordinarily not accepted. Additionally, service hours may not be completed during school hours.
Service to Ursuline
A limited number of “service to Ursuline” hours may be included in a student’s total number of service hours. Twenty hours of school service may be counted toward the required 120 hours. Serving at sports camps, an open house, or serving at other events which benefit the larger school community are examples of school-related service hours. Students may continue to serve the Ursuline community and accrue hours that are over the 120 hours requirement which can be applied to the service award certificate.
Retreats
We believe taking time out of your life for retreats is an extremely rewarding and growth-filled experience, and for those who choose to serve as a retreat leader, we understand the time and energy this requires! Service hours are given for those who lead retreats such as Luke 18, but the maximum number of hours given is 40. This includes preparation meetings and the actual retreat.
Service with Animals
We support students who choose to volunteer at a non-profit organization that works with animals such as the Humane Society or APA. We will accept up to 10 hours of service for this specific type of service towards the student's required 120 hours. For those students who are working towards doubling their required number of hours, they can continue to volunteer at this type of site and count those hours towards their total.
Upload your hours to the mobileserve app
Service Award
As a core value and motto of the academy, Serviam is an integral part of our community. We recognize our students for their exemplary commitment to serving others at the Awards Ceremony in May. Students doubling the yearly suggested hourly total, 40 for freshmen, 80 for sophomores, 120 for juniors and 240 for seniors will be recognized with a Service Award. Seniors who are recognized for their exemplary commitment of service will also receive red honor cords to be worn at graduation.
If you have any questions or are looking for service opportunities, please, contact Mrs. Weston