Community Service
The Honors College is strongly committed to the value of community service. To graduate with Transfer Honors, students must perform a minimum of 20 hours of approved community service. To graduate with University Honors, Honors students must perform a minimum of 30 hours of approved community service. To graduate with Highest Honors, Honors students must perform a minimum of 45 hours of approved community service.
Policies pertaining to Honors community service are as follows:
- Honors community service must be distinct from coursework.
- Students may not receive pay or remuneration in any form for an activity they wish to count as community service.
- Volunteer activities intended to support a religious organization, the practice of religion, or a political campaign may not count toward Honors community service requirements.
- Honors students may not use the same activity to count simultaneously toward community service and any of the co-curricular CLIPS requirements.
- The following activities may count as Honors community service without pre-approval from the Honors College:
- Service arranged through a recognized campus office;
- Service arranged through Campus Life's Community Engagement or at an organization listed on the Campus Life Community Engagement website;
- Service that is arranged through a campus student organization, including Greek Life organizations, or residence halls;
- Service at an organization registered with the United Way.
- Students who wish to earn Honors community service credit for any organization not listed above must obtain pre-approval from The Honors College.
- Honors students are strongly encouraged to submit their community service paperwork within 60 calendar days following the end of the community service activity.
On-Campus Community Service Opportunities
Become an International Student Peer Mentor
Student Government is working on an initiative to connect current students with incoming international students at EMU! Student mentors will help answer questions about their experience at EMU and meet with students at least once every other week until they are well adjusted to the university.
If you have questions, please contact Priya Ghotane at [email protected].
Volunteer at Honors College Recruitment Events
Have you enjoyed your experience as an Honors College student, and want to speak about your experience with prospective students? Join our recruitment mailing list, and we will reach out to you about upcoming events!
Service Partners
Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan
Girls on the Run has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire participants to recognize their inner strength, increase their level of physical activity, imagine their possibilities, and confidently stand up for themselves and others. Many different volunteer activities exist, including coaching, volunteering at 5k events, and other one-time opportunities.
Phone: (734) 712-5640
Growing Hope Urban Farm
Growing Hope is a nonprofit organization focused on strengthening and supporting the local food system throughout the community and beyond. They own and operate a demonstration urban farm, fund and staff the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets, and facilitate programming around home and community gardening, preparing fresh, affordable local produce, and food entrepreneurship to youth and adults. They have many different volunteer opportunities, including help with their monthly free brunches, supporting the Farmers Markets, and ongoing handy person assistance.
Phone: (734) 786-8401
SCRAP is a donation-based creative reuse store and donation center in Ann Arbor, MI. Along with the ever-changing and diverse store items, SCRAP also provides a range of educational opportunities within the community. Their mission is to inspire creative reuse and environmentally sustainable behavior by providing educational programs and affordable materials to the community. They are a part of the SCRAP Creative Reuse network which has grassroots creative reuse centers across the country. Volunteers do things like: Sort and organize the SCRAP store; assemble creative kits & packs; volunteer at SCRAP events; and assist with Workshops.
Phone: (734) 800-4137
Work and Play Special Needs Resource Center
The Work and Play Special Needs Resource Center was founded to provide a central location for therapists to provide services, fun gatherings, and crucial information for those with developmental disabilities of all ages and their caregivers. They act as a central hub for the special needs community. Having a resource center simplifies access to things needed to care for someone with developmental disabilities, which is desperately needed in an often complicated life with a child with special needs.
Phone: (734) 780-6795
Ypsilanti Thrift Shop
The Ypsilanti Thrift Shop has been serving the Ypsi community since 1942. They are the only all-volunteer, registered 501(c)3 thrift shop in Ypsilanti. No one who works at the Thrift Ship gets paid, and all profits are donated to local charities. To volunteer, you commit to working a minimum of 3 1/2 hours a month, with opportunities to do more. You will have a partner working the shift with you. They provide training and a mentor to get you started.
Submit a Volunteer Application Here
Phone: (734) 483-1226