Frequently Asked Questions

STUDENTS -

How do I find out which CSL courses are being offered?
For a listing of courses with a community-based component at all five of the local colleges, consult the Five College Course List. To learn more about highlighted CSL courses at UMass, visit our courses page.

How do I register for CSL courses?
Like the range of courses offered through the university, registration for CSL courses varies. Some CSL courses have open enrollment; students interested in these courses can register themselves via SPIRE. Other courses are restricted to members of CSL programs or to members of Commonwealth College. In addition, some CSL courses require that students complete an application.

How can I volunteer?
A great first question! There are many service opportunities in the surrounding towns, counties and beyond. You can volunteer as part of a service-learning course, as a community-service work-study student or just on your own. OCSL staff are happy to help you find your service niche. Just fill out a Community Service Advising Survey and make an appointment with an OCSL service advisor.we'll do our best to find a good match for you!

What tools are available to me in locating a service placement?
There are several:

OCSL Service Advisors
OCSL staff can offer one-on-one support to help you match your gifts, talents and interests to the right organization.

ACT Community Service Center
This organization maintains a database of local community service opportunities.

1-800-volunteer.org
This national database contains information on community service opportunities across the nation. Using a zip code, you can search for local opportunities.  In addition to listings of service opportunities, this website offers tools to help volunteers track their service and maintain a resume of volunteer roles.

UMass Serves!
Our weekly electronic newsletter has the most up-to-date information on service opportunities. To subscribe, contact servelearn@acad.umass.edu.

I don’t have a car; how can I get to my service site?
If you are volunteering through a service-learning class, contact your professor about transportation arrangements.  If you are not a part of a class, visit the PVTA website for bus schedules.

Are there any one-time weekend volunteer opportunities?
Yes, come to our office and check out the One-Time Weekend Service Opportunities folder in our display case.

What are the Alternative Break Programs?
There are quite a few programs for service opportunities during academic breaks.  Alternative Spring Break is an opportunity for UMass students to immerse themselves in service to members of a community—as close to UMass as nearby Holyoke or as far away as the Mississippi Delta or the Dominican Republic.  For more details on each program, visit our Alternative Spring Break page.

I have to do court-mandated service; what organizations should I work with?
It’s best for you to first contact your parole officer or the mandating county’s representative for service information.

 

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS -

How do I find students to volunteer at my organization?
Community organizations can recruit student volunteers through a locally-maintained database of community service opportunities. Community organizations may also hire work-study students and pay only a percentage of their hourly rate.

 

Do you have a question? Contact us at servelearn@acad.umass.edu.