Civic Engagement Activity and Project

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Civic Engagement Project?
What are the Requirements for UNIV 101?
How Do I Search and Register for an Activity?
FAQ's about Approved Service Activities

The Civic Engagement Project:

The Civic Engagement Project is a UNIV 101 student's completion of three (3) requirements: Orientation, Service Activity, Service Reflection.

The Orientation is conducted by Philip Poczik, Program Director in the Center for Civic Engagement. Each session is about 60 minutes long and includes discussions and activities that will introduce the topics of diversity, the importance of civic engagement, and the difference between volunteerism and service learning.
The service activity is an opportunity for students to learn through experience and become an active part of the community.
The service reflection piece is completed after the service activity. Students will be asked to reflect on their service activity, experience, and what they have learned through the process. The reflection piece will be assigned by their UNIV 101 instructor and may differ by class and or college/school.

Civic Engagement Requirements for UNIV 101:

Attend a Civic Engagement Orientation session
Complete one pre-approved Civic Engagement activity
Service Reflection component

Steps for Searching and Registering for an Activity:

Go to the Center for Civic Engagement's website: www.drexel.edu/cce
Click on Service Database
Sign-In using your DrexelOne username and password
Complete the new user questionnaire and preference screens
You will have the opportunity to search opportunities by interests, types of opportunities, or by organization (be sure that it is a UNIV 101 approved activity or you will not receive credit for completion).
Once you have registered for an activity, an automated email will be sent to you and the sponsoring organization confirming your registration. You are responsible for contacting the organization directly if you need to cancel your service.

FAQ's about Approved Service Activities :

Q: If a student volunteers as a Fire Fighter, EMT, or other emergency specialist, can their involvement count towards the CE requirement?

A: Yes, if the student is still actively volunteering throughout the year. This student will need to obtain permission from the CCE office before credit will be given.

Q: Can students complete their service activity with a church or religious group?

A: Students may not choose a service activity that involves religious instruction, worship, or proselytizing. However, service organized by or in a church that does not involve these things may be considered (e.g. service with a church group that feeds the homeless may be an appropriate activity). Students will need to obtain permission from the CCE before completing this service activity.

Q: Fraternities and Sororities are required to complete service as well. Can students use that activity to fulfill the University 101 requirement?

A: No. Students may not “double dip” by using one service activity to fulfill several requirements.

Q: Some students have completed a service activity prior to starting their University 101 course; can this activity be used to fulfill the UNIV 101 requirement?

A: Prior service cannot be used to fulfill the UNIV 101 requirement. However, if the student can prove that the service is ongoing and that he/she is currently volunteering with the organization (the service did not end) then it may be an appropriate service activity. This student will need to obtain permission from the CCE before credit will be given.

Q: Last year, students were permitted to volunteer for Safety and Security, Mandell Theater, and other Drexel departments. Can students still volunteer on campus to fulfill the Civic Engagement requirement?

A: No. One of the purposes for the civic engagement requirement is to encourage students to explore neighborhoods outside of Drexel's campus, and to learn more about social and community issues through service.