While Lincoln Memorial University encourages and values all types of service and volunteerism, only certain types of service activities can be logged through the Office of Student Leadership and Outreach for hours towards the Community Service Initiative.
The most important factor in determining an activity's qualification is whether it serves an unmet need in the community, preferably one identified by a community partner organization. The goal of these guidelines is not to exclude any meaningful or well-intentioned service but rather to provide a basic framework for understanding community service.
The following types of activities CANNOT be logged for volunteer hours:
- Donations of any type (unless given prior permission or an office/organization sponsored donation drive) cannot be logged, including but not limited to money, supplies, clothing, food, blood, etc.
- Indirect Philanthropy and Fundraising Activities
- Attending meetings related to planning or organizing fundraising events
- Attending a fundraising activity, but not engaging in direct service
- Running or walking in a 5K, walk, or race for charity
- Projects completed with any for-profit organization/business, even if the work was unpaid. Any substantial activities of this kind should be pursued as an internship.
- Internships, clinicals, practicums, or field experience work in hospitals, clinics, or similar organizations. This includes time spent job shadowing and observing.
- Self-directed "projects" without the oversight of supporting staff, faculty, or community organization, such as trash pickup or recycling, tutoring for free, helping an elderly neighbor with yard work, baby-sitting/pet-sitting for free for private individuals, etc.
- Activities completed for the benefit of a student organization or LMU athletic team or department (i.e., tabling, being a student organization officer, Peer Mentor, LMU sports, Nutrition/Fuel Station, Sports Ambassadors, working a concession stand at an LMU event, etc.).
- Participation in self-improvement workshops, clinics, conferences, or conventions.
- Helping with campus programs unless those activities directly serve a population beyond the LMU campus (i.e., nonprofit organizations, youth and team programs, etc.).
- Participating in a research project either as a participant (i.e., focus group) or a researcher (i.e., lab assistant).
If you have any questions, please contact Sheri Schatz, Assistant Dean of Students at sheri.schatz@LMUnet.edu or 423.869.6842