Community Service & Civic Engagement
Why UNCG?
We understand the importance of promoting an institutional culture of service.
Students and employees who engage in service learn about themselves, develop networks in the community, and gain a greater understanding of and ability to work with others who are different than themselves.
Students participating in service are also more likely to graduate than those who are not similarly engaged in their communities.
Working together in service, we all benefit.
With thousands of students, faculty, and staff providing over 600,000 hours of service in the community last year, UNCG takes its motto of service very seriously. Through deliberate programs and opportunities, UNCG volunteers gladly contribute time and talents to work with others to make a positive difference in our communities.
There are several ways to recruit volunteers from UNCG through the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement (OLCE). Visit their Community Partner webpage to learn how you can:
- Add your organization to the GivePulse Database
- Advertise volunteer opportunities in our weekly announcements
- Participate in the annual Volunteer & Service-Learning Fair
The Volunteer Center of Greensboro hosts an online database that you can use to search and apply for local volunteer positions in the community.
UNCG offers Faculty/Staff Community Service Leave for individuals who are permanent halftime (50% FTE) or more and in leave earning status. Awarded annually, the 24 hours of community service leave may be used for volunteer participation in programs, services, and school/nonprofit organizations and tutoring/mentoring activities.
The Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement
The Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement prepares students to serve as change-makers. We develop, promote, and advance civic engagement, leadership development, and meaningful service to create positive social change.
- Sign up to volunteer through Days of Service or Catalyst
- Search for opportunities to serve through the GivePulse “My Service” Database
- Attend our Annual Volunteer & Service-Learning Fair
- Learn how to organize your own service project
- Sign up for our Weekly Announcements so you never miss out!
Alternative Spring Break Trips
UNCG’s Alternative Spring Break trips are designed to provide an educational experience to a group of participants and are designed to link the Triad and North Carolina to the world through service. The UNCG program is affiliated with BreakAway, a national alternative break support agency. Since March of 2002, UNCG has sent volunteers to various destinations within the United States to provide service, to become educated on social issues affecting communities and to have LOTS of fun during spring break. Visit Housing and Residence Life to learn how to get involved!
Student Athlete Community Engagement
Community engagement has become an integral part of the UNCG student athletes’ total educational experience contributing to the development of civic responsibility and volunteerism. To learn more about how athletes are serving our community, reach out to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Civic Engagement Fellows
The Community & Civic Engagement Fellows (CCEFs) are student volunteer leaders based out of the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement. CCEFs are dedicated to bringing community service, issue awareness and advocacy opportunities to the UNCG campus. Fellows may propose their own project within the application or may apply to lead a standing project. Depending on their nature, projects may be led individually or by a team of two students. Fellows serve for a full year (Fall – Spring). At the end of the spring semester, non-standing projects are evaluated and may become standing projects based upon sustainability, campus interest and potential for continued development.
Long-Term Service Opportunities
Increasingly, more UNCG students are looking for long-term service opportunities, both during their college career and post-graduation. The Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement offers information on national and international service organizations to assist students and community members in finding opportunities with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, Teach for America, etc. Email lead@uncg.edu to learn more.
Service through Student Groups
There are a variety of clubs and Greek organizations on campus that volunteer in the community. To find out more about being a part of one of these groups as a student, or engaging with one of these groups as a community member, please visit the Office of Campus Activities and Programs.
Students, employers, and alumni can use UNCG Career and Professional Development’s Handshake platform to apply for and post internships as well as full-time positions.