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2009 - 2010 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Introduction
Each year, thousands of University of South Carolina students join faculty and staff to use their skills outside of the classroom to benefit the community. This report summarizes these service projects and partnerships undertaken by members of the University of South Carolina (USC) Columbia campus during the 2009-2010 academic year. Due to the variety and extent of the service contributions made by various branches of the university, this listing is not exhaustive, but it reflects the deep commitment to community engagement demonstrated by faculty, students and staff. Along with teaching and research, service is one of 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). According to the 2009 National Survey of Student Engagement data, 64% of USC students surveyed have participated in community service since enrolling at the university and another 21% plan some service involvement before graduation. 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 was 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 2009 alumni survey, 77% of surveyed 2005-2006 graduates reported that their USC experience had a positive impact on their current civic engagement habits. 88% of these alumni reported involvement in community service since graduating, with 39% volunteering on a monthly or weekly basis. 2
2009 - 2010 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Introduction
Impact While the nation’s economy declined over the 2009-2010, the University of South Carolina members reached out to make a positive impact on the community in large numbers. Volunteers were involved in hands-on community service, philanthropic fundraising, community-based research, service-learning, and advocacy initiatives. During 2009-2010, a reported 23,436 students, faculty and staff participated in volunteer service, donating 346,678 service hours to the community. These groups include student affairs departments, student organizations, academic departments, service-learning courses, and campus partners. The economic impact of this service to the community is estimated at $5,636,984*. In addition, the Carolina community made philanthropic donations to the community reported at $1,405,010, for a total economic impact of $7,041,994.**
23,436 USC Volunteers • 346,678 service hours • $1,405,010 in donations
total impact: $7,041,994
* Estimate based on 2008 value of volunteer time in South Carolina at $16.26 per hour as determined by the Independent Sector http://www.independentsector.org/ volunteer_time
** Report statistics based on voluntary submissions from USC partners as of August 1, 2010. For more information on how to contribute to future reports, contact Community Service Programs at (803) 777-3197.
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2009 - 2010 Community Service Annual Report • University of South Carolina
Impact