Table of Contents
Introduction
3
Impact
4
Co-Curricular Initiatives Community Service Programs Alternative Break Service Trips
5
9
Student Organizations
7
Greek Organizations University Housing and Residence Life Student Athletes Academic Initiatives
12
Service-Learning
16
University 101
17
Cocky’s Reading Express Law School Medical School
14 15
17 18 19
Campus Partners
Academic Enrichment and Conferences
20
Carolina Dining
20
United Way Campaign
20
Service Honors and Awards National Recognition
21
22
Campus Awards 2
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Table of Contents
Introduction
The University of South Carolina is dedicated to impacting the community through service. This report summarizes the projects undertaken by the students, faculty and staff of the University of South Carolina (USC) Columbia during the 2008-2009 academic year. Due to the variety and extent of the service activities conducted by various branches of the university, this listing is not exhaustive, but it reflects the deep commitment to community service exhibited by faculty, students and staff. Teaching, research, and service are the three core tenants of the USC primary mission. The USC mission statement expounds on this value of service:
Another important facet of the University’s public mission is service to its community, state, nation, and the
world in such areas as public health, education, social issues, economic development, and family support
systems. Founded in 1801 in Columbia, the University of South Carolina began providing programs in
communities statewide in the 1950s and 1960s. At that time, a network of campuses was established in response
to community initiative and support for accessible, affordable educational programs principally for local citizens (Approved by the Board of Trustees, June 30, 2004).
Participation in community service is shown to positively impact the development of undergraduate students. A 1998 study by Astin and Sax was completed at 42 institutions with federally funded community service programs. Their research
found that participation in service during undergraduate years substantially enhances the student’s academic development, life skill development, and sense of civic responsibility. The Division of Student Affairs and Department of Academic
Support fosters student engagement through providing enriching educational experiences. One of the seven major goals in their 2009 Blueprint for Service Excellence is to, “advance a global community of scholars that promotes academic success, character development, personal growth and wellness, career development, and lifelong learning.” Organized service efforts at the university began in 1989 with the establishment of the Office of Community Service. Located in the Department of Student Life, the mission of Community Service Programs is:
To promote volunteer service as an integral part of the educational values of the University of South Carolina.
We cultivate programs that foster university engagement within the larger community that emphasize a deep
commitment to learning through reflection. Through the integration of community service programs across the
curriculum and co-curriculum, we strive to prepare students for a lifetime of community leadership and responsible
citizenry (Revised May 2007).
In a 2007 alumni survey, graduates from 2003-2004 were asked what extent their USC experience had on their participation in
public and community service. 68% of alumni reported that their university experience had a positive impact on their current civic engagement habits. 3
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Introduction
Impact
Service contributions made by the USC community come in a wide variety of forms. Volunteers are involved in hands-on community service, philanthropic fundraising, community-based research, service-learning, and advocacy initiatives. During
2008-2009, a reported 18,829 students, faculty and staff participated in volunteer service, donating 302,921 service hours to the community. These groups include student affairs departments, student organizations, academic departments, servicelearning courses, and campus partners. The economic impact of this service to the community is estimated at $4,804,327*. In addition, the Carolina community made philanthropic donations to the community reported at $1,047,661, for a total economic impact of $5,851,988**.
18,829 USC Volunteers • 302,921 service hours • $1,047,661 in donations
total impact: $5,851,988
* Estimate based on 2007 value of volunteer time in South Carolina at $15.86 per hour as determined by the Independent Sector www.independentsector.org/programs/ research/volunteer_time.html ** Report statistics based on voluntary submissions from USC partners as of June 22, 2009. A systematic effort for collecting data on service and philanthropy begins with the dissemination of this inaugural report. For more information on how to contribute to future reports, contact Community Service Programs at (803) 777-3197.
4
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Impact
Co-Curricular Initiatives Community Service Programs Services & Partnerships
Community Service Programs (CSP) provides resources to help students, faculty and staff become connected to the community. Consultations are available to help identify an appropriate volunteer placement at one of 90 non-
profit agencies in the Columbia area. The CSP website, www.sa.sc.edu/communityservice, highlights upcoming service opportunities and features a non-profit agency database. Service Opportunity Fair
In order to increase student’s awareness of volunteer opportunities, CSP sponsored the Service Opportunity Fair during the opening of the fall and spring semesters. Representatives from 40 diverse non-profit organizations hosted information tables on the 2nd floor of the Russell House University Union. Service Saturday Program
During the 2008 – 2009 academic year, the Service Saturday Program engaged 892 participants at 6 monthly
events. Volunteers worked on 28 different work sites for 20 non-profit agencies and donated a total of 4,460 hours of service. University 101 classes and student organizations were given the opportunity to serve together. America Reads
This federal work study program engaged 27 USC students at 5 local elementary schools. Students worked to increase literacy skills at Bradley Elementary, Hyatt Park Elementary, Logan Elementary, South Kilbourne Elementary, and St. Martin de Porres Catholic School. Carolina Cares
Each year in the month of November, CSP and the Carolina Service Council sponsor the Carolina Cares holiday drive. In 2008, USC participation in the Carolina Cares adopted families program for the Nurturing Center
increased by 35% over 2007 to 100 children and 40 families. 1,500 stockings were donated, an increase of 12% from 1,340 in 2007, which represents 30% of the stockings distributed by the Salvation Army in Columbia. The
54th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony was the culmination of Carolina Cares, which celebrated USC’s spirit of service with a beautiful holiday tree on the historic Horseshoe. 5
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Co-curricular initiatives
MLK Day of Service
This 12th Annual event held on the MLK Holiday, allowed 420 students, faculty, and staff to join together in
a display of interracial cooperation and service to the community. Participants began the morning watching
Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream Speech” and were soon sent to work at one of 16 non-profit sites. When
volunteers arrived at their site they were introduced to the mission and services of the agency. At the conclusion of the project, student site leaders facilitated a closing reflection, which highlighted questions of racial, social, and economic inequalities.
Non-Profit Protégé Program
During this semester-long program, 6 students were matched with a non-profit CEO for a shadowing experience. CEO mentors for 2009 represented the Babcock Center, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, City Year Columbia, Habitat
for Humanity, Leukemia Lymphoma Society, and United Way of the Midlands. Throughout the spring semester, protégés were expected to arrange weekly meetings with their mentor and discuss various topics. Participants reported having the opportunity to attend board meetings, experience staff and committee meetings, visit with potential financial donors, help plan events, and witness the action-packed world of being a non-profit leader.
6
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Co-curricular initiatives
Alternative Break Trips
Instead of traveling to sandy beaches or relaxing at home with family and friends, a growing percentage of USC
students spent the fall or spring breaks on an Alternative Break Service Trip. This past year, trip locations ranged
from Atlanta to Jamaica and were focused on a wide range of issues. Participants on these trips were provided with excellent opportunities to learn about community needs, develop team-work skills, and reflect on their personal values.
Fall Break 2008 Low-Income Housing Repairs in Rural Appalachia, Jonesville, VA • 13 students, 1 staff • Projects: built wheel chair ramp and deck, installed new drainage system • Partnership with Appalachian Service Project • Sponsored by Community Service Programs, Department of Student Life Hurricane Katrina Relief Work, New Orleans, LA • 45 students, 3 staff • Projects: repaired homes at eight sites • Sponsored by Methodist Student Network, Carolina Campus Ministry Winter Break 2008-2009 Hurricane Katrina Relief Work, Dulac, LA • 9 students, 1 staff • Volunteered January 5 – 10, 2009 • Projects: built a wheelchair ramp, re-sided a home, and installed flooring and cabinets • Sponsored by Methodist Student Network, Carolina Campus Ministry Spring Break 2009 Homelessness Issues in Atlanta, GA • 9 students, 1 staff • Projects: community beautification, painting, relational outreach projects to homeless, helped with nightly free community meal • Partnership with SafeHouse Outreach • Sponsored by Community Service Programs, Department of Student Life Hurricane Katrina Work, Ocean Springs, MS • 10 students, 1 staff • Projects: painted exterior of home, dry wall and insulation installation • Partnership with Camp Victor • Sponsored by Carolina Service Council, Student Organization 7
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Co-curricular initiatives
Guatemalan Community Development, Santa Cruz del Quiche, Guatemala • 20 students, 3 staff • Projects: staffed health clinic, worked on house construction, sponsored vacation bible school for youth • Partnership with Volunteers in Mission • Sponsored by Methodist Student Network, Carolina Campus Ministry Jamaican Community Development, Petersfield, Jamaica • 10 students, 2 staff • Projects: beautification projects including park restoration, mentoring area youth • Partnership with Amizade • Sponsored by Preston Residential College Maymester 2009 Brazilian Community Development, Sao Paolo, Palmas and Brasilia, Brazil • 8 students, 1 staff • Projects: urban ministry to street children, medical clinic, construction work, youth camp • Partnership with Shandon Presbyterian Church of Columbia, SC • Sponsored by Presbyterian Student Association, Campus Ministry
Dobson Volunteer Service Program
The Dobson Volunteer Service Program at the University of South
Carolina provides funding support for students, faculty and staff members to engage in direct service activities, both locally and
abroad. Applicants for Dobson funding must agree to conduct ten presentations sharing information about their experiences as a Dobson participant upon their return. Emphasis is placed on
depth of service commitment and spiritual development through the service experience. During 2008 – 2009 academic year, the
Dobson Program funded 100 USC students, faculty and staff on
11 service trips. Countries included: Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatelmala, Jamaica, Uganda, United States, and Zambia.
8
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Co-curricular initiatives
Student Organizations
Carolina student organizations showed their commitment to helping others by organizing a variety of community service and philanthropy projects in 2008-2009. Many student organizations also hosted speakers on campus
to raise awareness of pressing social issues. This section represents the actions taken by students to respond to community need.
Community Service Projects - Provide hands on service to benefit community Alpha Phi Omega • Sponsors an escort service for students, which provides free and safe on-campus rides from 8PM to Midnight on Sunday through Thursday evenings. Approximately 1,000 students and 50 faculty/staff utilize this service each year. Anthropology Student Association • Sent students to volunteer at archaeology dig Kolb site in Darlington, South Carolina. American Red Cross Club • Organized Red Cross Week which included safety classes and a blood drive. Carolina Service Council • Organized volunteer project at Harvest Hope Food Bank. • Planted trees for Carolina Wildlife Care. • Collected 1,100 letters for deployed troops during ‘A Thousand Thanks’ Campaign. • Organized Mardi Gras Party for Agape Senior Home. • Sponsored cookout and activities for mentally challenged adults at the Babcock Center. • Organized National Volunteer Week celebration by sponsoring a different service opportunity each day. Volunteers worked for the following organizations: HomeWorks of Ameria; Epworth’s Childrens Home; Children’s Garden; Clean Carolina; and Reliant Hospice. Circle K • Created and distributed holiday cards for elderly in Columbia area. Girls on the Run • USC female students served as coaches and role models to elementary school children at weekly practices and taught them the importance of healthy behaviors, relationships, and self-esteem using running and a team atmosphere. Geology Club • Hosted “Young Minds Rock” a successful outreach program to bring Earth science education to elementary schools. • Taught lessons for Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission’s after-school Safari program. 9
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Co-curricular initiatives
Waverly After School Program • Youth ages 5 to 15 had the opportunity to attend this after school program free of charge at the Melrose Place Community Center. The program was run entirely by volunteers, who provided tutoring for the children, as well as activities and enrichment programs. In addition, Waverly hosted Saturday Sports mornings several times a month. Philanthropic Projects - Raise donations of money or goods to benefit community Carolina/Clemson Blood Drive • This annual blood drive competition between USC and Clemson takes place in the week prior to the rival football game. This year a total of 7,390 pints of blood was collected with USC donating 4,039 pints and Clemson 3,351 pints. Carolina Service Council • “Hoodies for the Homeless” was a donation drive for sweatshirts for area homeless. Sweatshirts were collected in residence halls and distributed through the city’s annual homeless count in January. • The Oxfam Hunger Banquet is an interactive event to teach participants about world hunger issues. Upon arrival each participant is assigned an identity and given a meal that cooresponds with a third world, second world, or first world country. Monetary donations were collected for Oxfam America and canned food was collected for Harvest Hope Food Bank. Dance Marathon • During this 24 hour event, teams of dancers spend 24 hours on their feet to raise money for their local Children’s Miracle Network hospital. 1,000 dancers raised $111,412 for Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital in 2009. Delta Sigma Phi • Collected used cell phones and accessories to be refurbished and sold. The proceeds were used to purchase new cell phones for the victims of domestic violence distributed through Verizon Wireless. Epsilon Sigma Alpha • Organized “Kiss the Pig” fundraiser nominating prominent USC faculty members, administrators and athletes for the honor of kissing a pig mascot on Greene Street. Raised $760 for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
10
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Co-curricular initiatives
Freshman Council • Sponsored “Smokey’s Car Smash” on Greene Street. Students could donate money to hit a junked car with a sledgehammer. The event raised $200 to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Columbia. Homecoming Committee • Canned Creations event was sponsored with the Carolina Service Council. Twenty-one student teams used canned and non-perishable food items to create sculptures that represent the Homecoming theme. All items used in the competition were donated to Harvest Hope Food Bank. National Art Education Association Student Chapter • Partnered with Lake Carolina Elementary for the “Empty Bowls” Project. Students created pottery bowls to sell and raise awareness on hunger issues. Proceeds were donated to Harvest Hope Food Bank. Omega Phi Alpha • Sponsored Trick or Treat for UNICEF donation collection. • Raised money for Shikokho School in Kenya for new computers. Relay for Life • Overnight 12-hour event where teams take turns walking or running around a track to raise money for the American Cancer Society. In 2009, 63 teams participated with 1,145 members raising $101,150.
11
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Co-curricular initiatives
Greek Life
Greek Life at USC has a strong tradition of service and philanthropy. During the 2008-2009 academic year,
3,278 Greek students donated an estimated 57,265 service hours and $535,133 to the community. In addition to individual projects and philanthropies, the Greek Programming Board sponsored two major service projects in 2008:
Carolina Remembrance Council • Benefit concert held in memory of the seven students who died in the Ocean Isle beach house tragedy in October 2007. Event proceeds benefited the Carolina Remembrance Fund that awards scholarships in honor of the victims. Trick or Treat with the Greeks • The Boys and Girls Club of Columbia, along with Carolina faculty and staff families were invited to the Greek Village for this annual event. Children had the opportunity to play games and trick or treat from house to house in a safe, fun environment. The following reflect the service and philanthropic contributions of the Greek organizations as reported by the Fraternity and Sorority Report of 2008-2009: Alpha Chi Omega Sorority • 3,680 service hours • $30,609 raised for charity • 178 volunteers Alpha Delta Pi Sorority • 4,315 service hours • $86,575 raised for charity • 243 volunteers Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. • 1,390 service hours • $2,014 raised for charity • 13 volunteers Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. • 907 service hours • $653 raised for charity • 29 volunteers 12
Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity • $17,048 raised for charity • 76 volunteers Chi Omega Sorority • 5,156 service hours • $21,592 raised for charity • 253 volunteers Chi Psi Fraternity • 1,583 service hours • $3,000 raised for charity • 54 volunteer Delta Delta Delta Sorority • 2,990 service hours • $43,368 raised for charity • 201 volunteers
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. • 972 service hours • $8,507 raised for charity • 56 volunteers Delta Tau Delta Fraternity • 2,883 service hours • $15,120 raised for charity • 38 volunteers Delta Upsilon Fraternity • 605 service hours • $500 raised for charity • 21 volunteers Delta Zeta Sorority • 5,738 service hours • $24,563 raised for charity • 171 volunteers Co-curricular initiatives
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority • 3,897 service hours • $40,670 raised for charity • 164 volunteers
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity • 726 service hours • $1,210 raised for charity • 26 volunteers
Sigma Chi Fraternity • 875 service hours • $13,400 raised for charity • 35 volunteers
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. • 85 service hours • 3 volunteers
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. • 75 service hours • $400 raised for charity • 12 volunteers
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. • 443 service hours • $715 raised for charity • 11 volunteers
Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity • 415 service hours • $1,100 raised for charity • 12 volunteers
Sigma Niu Fraternity • 982 service hours • $45,080 raised for charity • 58 volunteers
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity • 869 service hours • $10,338 raised for charity • 105 volunteers
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity • 491 service hours • 50 volunteers
Kappa Alpha Order • 1,175 service hours • $23,666 raised for charity • 180 volunteers Kappa Delta Sorority • 3,604 service hours • $47,889 raised for charity • 230 volunteers Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority • 2,555 service hours • $17,393 raised for charity • 180 volunteers Kappa Sigma Fraternity • 975 service hours • $10,613 raised for charity • 30 volunteers
13
Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity • 681 service hours • $5,900 raised for charity • 19 volunteers Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity • 1940 service hours • $12,375 raised for charity • 22 volunteers
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. • 70 service hours • $350 raised for charity • 4 volunteers Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority • 5,883 service hours • $52,905 raised for charity • 217 volunteers
Co-curricular initiatives
University Housing and Residence Life Living Learning Communities
Living and Learning Communities are academically themed communities that provide students with the opportunity
to live in an environment that promotes diversity, embraces excellence, encourages insightful faculty-student interaction and works to develop a strong sense of community. During the 2008-2009 academic year, four living
and learning communities reported incorporating community service opportunities into their programming for students.
Capstone Scholars • Fall: tutoring partnership with Richland One School District. • Spring: organized Service Friday project once per month; organized donation drive for birthday presents for children at St. Lawrence Place. Carolina’s Global Community • Fall: organized volunteer day with Habitat for Humanity. Green Learning Community • Fall: sponsored monthly projects including clean-up of Saluda River, Rocky Branch Creek, and tree planting at USC Arboretum. • Spring: organized Spring Equinox Service and Celebration including planting filtering grass at Green Quad and clean-up of stream behind Blatt; offered field trip to Huntington Beach State Park to support seabird conservation efforts.
14
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Co-curricular initiatives
Preston Residential College • Fall: Preston’s community service club, Y-Impact, held several bake sales in order to donate an estimated $500 to the “Race for the Cure” philanthropy. • Spring: organized new international service-learning course; students enrolled in spring journalism course, “Culture, Communication, and Community” and spent their spring break serving as a team in Petersfield, Jamaica (See Alternative Breaks Service Trips section for more information); Y-Impact sponsored date auction, bake sales, and drawing to raise over $900 in donations for USC’s Dance Marathon. Residence Hall Association Hands of Hunger Charity Poker Tournament • Students entered to play in this spring tournament by donating 5 cans or 5 dollars that was donated to the Harvest Hope Food Bank. Recycling Initiatives • Purchased 10 Waste Warrior multi-sort recycling units and installed in residence halls. • Sponsored four week RecycleMannia during February and March and collected 4,777 pounds of recyclable materials in residence halls. Facilities Services Give It Up Program • This program takes place in spring during move out for the residence halls. The goal was to reduce landfill space created by move out and increase the amount of recycled and donated goods. Collections were received of clothing, food, household items, appliances, school supplies, carpet, furniture, and loft wood. Local organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Sistercare, Harvest Hope, Salvation Army and more benefited from the donation drive. During the Spring 2009 program, 13.47 tons of items were collected for donation.
Student Athletes
“Team Gamecocks” represents a continuing commitment by Gamecock student-athletes, coaches, and staff to respond with both time and effort to the needs of their local communities. Every year, student athletes from
different athletic teams coordinate team projects by taking responsibility to serve as goodwill ambassadors not
only for their respective programs, but also for the Athletics Department and the University of South Carolina. A few ways “Team Gamecocks” served the Midlands include: reading to local elementary school children; collecting food for Harvest Hope Food Bank; visiting hospitalized veterans and children; and interacting with children in after-school programs. Student athletes participated in 77 different service events logging 1,984 service hours. 15
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Co-curricular initiatives
Academic Partnerships
Service-Learning
Service-learning is a form of active learning that connects meaningful community service with academic
coursework and purposeful reflection. While the topics and projects employed in service-learning courses vary, Campus Compact (1999) provides a widely-accepted definition of this pedagogy: “Service-learning is a teaching method which combines community service with academic instruction . . . . Service-learning programs involve
students in organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to the community.”
During the 2008-2009 academic year, 53 sections of 25 different courses were identified as service-learning classes.
Service-learning classes were featured in 18 different academic programs representing 7 of the university’s 15 colleges and schools. Enrollment in service-learning classes was reported at 560 students in the fall and 596 in the spring for a total of 1,156 students for the academic year. Below is a listing of 2008-2009 service-learning classes: College of Arts and Sciences • GERM 404 – Teaching German to Young Children • GERM 401P – Practicum in Teaching in German to Young Children • SPAN 305/LASP 305 – Working Hispanic Clients • PSYC 489 – Community Psychology Practicum • POLI 122/ENVR 122 – Green Engagement • HIST 448 – American Environmental History • SPCH 790T/ENGL 890E – Rhetoric & Democracy • WGST 112 – Women and Society: A Service-Learning Approach College of Education • EDEC 201 – Inquiry into Early Childhood Education • EDEC 342 – The Young Child: Development, Care, and Education (3-8 Years) • EDEX 523 – Introduction to Exceptional Children • EDRD 430 – Elementary Literacy Instruction-I College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sports Management • HRSM 301, Professional Development Seminar • HRTM 490 – Hospitality Management Strategies • TSTM 544 – Training Systems • TSTM 564 – Project Management for Information Systems • TSTM J444– Corporate Training and Development 16
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
academic partnerships
College of Mass Communications and Information Technology • JOUR 566 – Public Relations Management • JOUR 531– Public Relations Campaigns • JOUR 563A– Cause-Related Advertising and Public Relations School of Medicine • HGEN 701 – Introduction to Genetic Counseling School of Public Health • HPEB 748 – Community Health Development South Carolina Honors College • SCHC 372C, Sec 501 – Communicating the Cause • SCHC 467G, Sec 501 – The Rev. Bowman Project Exposed: Community Leadership Exposed University 101 • Service-learning pilot of 9 sections
University 101
University 101 is the largest course at USC with 177 sections during
2008-2009. Each enrolled student was required to complete ten hours of community service as part of the course.
With 3,059 first-year and transfer students enrolled in the course, an estimated 30,590 service hours were donated to the community. Nine sections of University 101 classes participated in a pilot service-learning program where students participated in a transitional mentoring program with area middle school students.
Cocky’s Reading Express
Cocky’s Reading Express is an outreach project aimed at eliminating illiteracy in South Carolina. It is a partnership
between Student Government and the S.C. Center for Children’s Books and Literacy in the School of Library and Information Science. Throughout the year, USC students and our mascot Cocky travel to elemenatry schools and
read books aloud to children and talk about the importance of reading. Children are given a book to take home as a reminder that reading is fun. This past year, Cocky’s Reading Express visited 18 schools across the state.
17
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
academic partnerships
Law School
The USC School of Law works to connect law students to the community through pro bono work and community
service opportunities. Service activities sponsored by the Law School included 22 activities throughout the year at
agencies such as St. Lawrence Place and Habitat for Humanity ReStore. A food drive raised over 32,020 pounds
of donated food. Pro bono work is a valuable service to the public, which allows students to gain knowledge and skills. The following is an overview of projects completed in the 2008-2009 academic year. Pro Bono Projects Choices Legal Awareness Sessions for Juveniles • Taught 20 hour curriculum for SC Department of Juvenile Justice. Lexington County Juvenile Arbitration • Active arbitration of cases. Project Ayuda • Hispanic community assistance on issues of taxes, immigration status, and employment law. Projection and Advocacy for Disabled Persons • Conducted assessments to evaluate patients and services in group homes and care facilities. Richland County CASA • Completed training to become Guardian ad Litems representing children in abuse and neglect cases. Richland & Lexington County Public Defender’s Offices • Provided volunteers. SC Bar Pro Bono Program • Research support for attorneys working on Pro Bono cases. SC Department of Consumer Affairs • Support of Mortgage Fraud Hotline. SC Legal Services • Provided general volunteers. Volunteer Income Taxpayer Assistance • Volunteered to complete tax returns for the public. Homeless Legal Clinic • Volunteers worked with the Richland County Bar. 18
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
academic partnerships
Adult Protection Council • Research for Adult Abuse Registry legislation. Access to Justice Commission • Research completed for newly formed commission. Columbia Urban League • Created public information brochure on expungement.
School of Medicine
Students, Faculty, and Staff at USC’s School of Medicine are involved in a wide variety of community work. During 2008-2009, fundraisers collected donations for the following organizations: Medical Students for Burn
Care International; Cervix Project; Stride for Health Walk; Walk for Life; Good Deed Foundation; Cooperative
Ministries; Sistercare; Better World Books; and Harvest Hope Food Bank. Despite their busy schedules, students donate an estimated 10,529 service hours during 17 sponsored projects. Below is an overview of select projects completed by students at the School of Medicine that impacted the community:
Medical Students for Burn Care International • 50 medical students volunteered to work for 4 weeks at burn clinics in socio-economically depressed regions of the world. Gentiva Hospice • Provided support and respite for patients and their families dealing with long-term illnesses. Free Medical Clinic • Provided administrative and client support. Community Health Clinic • Offered screenings and counseling services to local Columbia community. Good Samaritan Clinic • Counseled patients about nutrition, exercise and smoking cessation. Project Heart & Health Fair • Taught community women the importance of self breast exams and early detection.
19
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
academic partnerships
Campus Partnerships Academic Enrichment and Conferences
Carolina Gives Back Program • The Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series summer program for sixth through twelveth graders takes place for seven weeks during June and July. Each week the program highlights a different local charity and requests donations from students and the USC community. Organizations receiving donations this year include: Zig the Pig; Palmetto Animal Assistance Life Services; American Heart Association; West “Green” Quad; SC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault; Communities in Schools of the Midlands; and Harvest Hope Food Bank.
Carolina Dining
Cans Across America • Sponsored a one day food drive in various campus dining halls that raised 7,970 pounds of food to benefit Harvest Hope Food Bank. Hunger Heart Program • Sold hunger hearts for $1 each in campus dining halls. • Sponsored Serve-a-thon Cookout where students donated $5 or 5 cans of food to eat. • Raised total amount of money and donations to equal 34,170 pounds of food for Harvest Hope Food Bank. Fresh on the Farm Program • Carolina Dining was proud to participate in this program to support South Carolina Farmers. A minimum of 25% of their produce served in USC dining facilities was purchased from one of 26 certified local South Carolina farms.
United Way Campaign
Faculty and Staff Support for United Way Campaign • 406 USC Columbia faculty and staff donated a total of $106,576 to the United Way of the Midlands.
20
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
campus partnerships
Honors and awards
National Recognition
2008 President’s Higher Education Community Servicer Honor Roll
In January 2009, the University of South Carolina was named to the 2008 President’s
Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its commitment to community service and civic engagement by students, faculty, and staff. This is the third consecutive
year that USC has been selected for this award based on an application submitted by Community Service Programs. The honor roll, which was launched in 2006, recognizes American colleges and universities that offer innovative and effective community service and academic service-learning programs.
2008 Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification The University of South Carolina was recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
as one of the nation’s leaders in providing programs that benefit and engage communities. The university was
one of 68 public and 51 private institutions selected for the Carnegie Foundation’s 2008 “Curricular Engagement and Outreach & Partnerships” classification. The Carnegie Foundation invited colleges and universities with
an institutional focus on community engagement to apply for the classification, which offered three categories: Curricular Engagement, for institutions that offer teaching, learning and scholarship to help meet community needs; Outreach and Partnerships, for institutions using their resources to benefit the community and campus and provide collaborations to advance economic development, research; and Curricular Engagement and Outreach & Partnerships, for institutions with substantial commitments in both areas.
21
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
honors and awards
Campus Awards Community Service Awards, Department of Student Life Outstanding Student Volunteer Award • This award recognizes students who have made an outstanding contribution to the community and university through service. • Recipients: Mary Katherine Wampler, Christina Galardi Rosemary Broadway Memorial Scholarship • This scholarship was established to honor Rosemary Broadway, an advocate of off-campus students. It is awarded to a full time student, undergraduate or graduate, who is actively involved in service. • Recipient: Audrey Graft
Outstanding Student Organization Service Award • This award recognizes student organizations that are role models to other organizations based on quality of service, amount of time and effort devoted to service projects, and the most creative and charitable project that had a direct impact on the student population and the community. • Recipient: Alpha Phi Omega The Outstanding Faculty or Staff Volunteer Award • This award was established to recognize a USC faculty or staff who has made an outstanding contribution to the community and university through service. • Recipient: Mr. Louis Dessau, Director of the International Affairs Office, Moore School of Business The Ambassador of Service Award • This award is given to a person at the Director, Chair, Dean or Executive levels of USC Administration for exemplary leadership and involvement in promoting and performing community service. • Recipient: Ms. Pamela Robinson, Director of the Pro Bono Program, School of Law The Outstanding Service Professional Award • This award honors a staff member from a local non-profit agency for their work with University of South Carolina students, faculty and staff. • Recipient: Chanda Helms, American Cancer Society, staff partner for the USC’s Relay for Life Department of Student Affairs and Academic Support Awards Staff Recognition for Service Contributions • Recognized 25 staff for regular volunteer work with 51 community organizations. • Recognized 15 staff for holding leadership roles in community organizations.
22
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
honors and awards
For more information, contact: Community Service Programs Department of Student Life Campus Life Center Russell House 227 (803) 777-7130 mpeer@sc.edu
23
2008 - 2009 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina