Scholars Requirements Image

One goal of PSS is to promote
student participation in varying
dimensions of public service:
organizational, direct and policy.

Requirements

Orientation Session

After enrolling, students must attend an orientation session which provides an overview of requirements as well as introduces the program’s basic perspective of promoting service that goes beyond traditional volunteerism.

Service Hours

Students demonstrate an ongoing commitment to service by engaging regularly and deeply with the issues, populations, and organizations that matter most to them. Of the 300 required hours, at least 200 must entail service that is unpaid, not required, and that benefits individuals and groups beyond the campus. Learn more

Skills Trainings

CCPS believes training in the skill areas listed below can make for more effective public service:

  • Advocacy / community organizing
  • Financial management
  • Fundraising and grant writing
  • Diversity and cultural awareness
  • Effective communication
  • Ethics
  • Policy
  • Organizational leadership and management
  • Service-specific training (e.g. rape crisis counseling, ESL instruction)

    • A skills training may be on or off campus in the form of a workshop, conference, or academic course. The training must be interactive, activity-based and designed for participants to build and practice skills, not simply learn information or gain awareness (such as in a lecture, panel or presentation). For a listing of skills trainings, click here.

    Service-Learning Course

    Students must complete one service-learning class to fulfill the PSS requirements. This is the only requirement accepted retroactively (prior to PSS enrollment). A service-learning class is a credited academic course that:

  • Requires students to perform at least 30 hours of service
  • Facilitates students’ reflection on their service experience
  • Connects students’ service experience with the course’s academic goals

    • For more information and a listing of service-learning courses, click here.

    Senior Portfolio

    The portfolio provides an opportunity for seniors to reflect on their time in the program and build on concepts introduced at the Public Service Scholars orientation. Students may choose one of two options:

  • Issue analysis - an in-depth consideration of a community issue or problem with a discussion of how their service addressed the issue’s root causes and solutions.
  • Reflective experience - a look back on the breadth and scope of service performed, lessons learned, and plans for the future.

    • Learn more

    GPA

    The transcript notation is dependent on the student’s final cumulative GPA.

  • "Public Service Scholar" - cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • "Special Recognition in Public Service" - cumulative GPA of 2.5 - 2.9



    • Learn more about opportunities, resources and deadlines for program participants.

    Learn more about how to enroll.

    PSS program overview.

    The Carolina Center for Public Service strengthens the University's public service commitment by promoting scholarship and service that are responsive to the concerns of the state and contribute to the common good.

    Carolina Connects

    “A Community Engaged University” recognized by the
     Carnegie Foundation

    CCPS is a unit of the Office of Vice Chancellor
    for Public Service and Engagement.