Southern Serves
Requirements for Graduation
Following Jesus' example, Southern Adventist University encourages students to integrate
their faith and learning. The Christian Service graduation requirement is intended
to help students develop the ability to become contributing members of churches, families,
groups, and communities.
| Class Standing | Community Service Events (minimum of 3 hours each) |
Service-Learning Experiences (minimum of 15 hours each) |
|---|---|---|
| Incoming Freshmen | 3 | 2 |
| Transferring Sophomores | 2 | 2 |
| Transferring Juniors and Seniors | 1 | 1 |
| Associate's Degree Candidates | 1 | 1 |
Community Service Event Eligibility
Southern Adventist University encourages and values all forms of Christian service.
However, only certain types of service may be counted toward the graduation requirement.
Students can register for approved service events by clicking the Find Opportunities button above. If a student or student organization wishes to participate in a service
event that is not listed, they should submit a request by clicking the Request New Event button above and describing the activity and the non-profit organization involved.
Approval must be obtained before participating in a service project. Once an activity has been pre-approved, students may receive
Christian Service credit for service completed with the designated nonprofit community
partner.
Guidelines for an Approved Service Event
All of the following must apply:- Service benefits a nonprofit organization or its clients
- Service is off campus
- Service is non-compensated (payment, enrichment/class/vespers credit)
- Service is 3-5* hours, not including driving time
- Service is provided to the local community outside of university and traditional Seventh-day Adventist circles (e.g., church-based service that is outward facing and provides a direct benefit to the community, such as health seminars, food for the homeless, or English as a Second Language [ESL] classes)
Frequently Asked Questions
—key information
What are examples of Community Service Events?
- Weekly service opportunities
- Club service events
- LifeGroup service activities
- Southern Serves Day
- Campus-wide MLK Service Day
What are examples of Service-Learning Experiences?
- Service-Learning Classes (SERV2)
- Southern Mission Trips / Vision Trips
- Student-Initiated Projects (they allow students to tailor a project that combines knowledge learned in the classroom with something they enjoy doing. Must be pre-approved by the Christian Service Program. Start here)
Are there any exceptions to the community service guidelines?
- On campus service exceptions (must be pre-approved)
- Service must be outward facing to the community
- Service must be connected with a nonprofit community partner
- Service must includes some type of meeting with the non-profit served
- e.g. graphic design students provide designs for domestic violence emphasis month, and include a zoom visit with Family Justice Center representative to learn of the organization and the connection between their service and those served
- Church / Traditional University, Seventh-day Adventist Circles Allowed
- Service includes community-focused programming and engagement
- e.g. health seminars, Dinner with the Doctor, ministry to the homeless, ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, SonRise
- Service includes community-focused programming and engagement
- Church / Traditional University, SDA Circles not Allowed
- Church worship service
- e.g. praise team, greeting, teaching Sabbath School, evangelistic series, spiritual seminars/conferences, Pathfinders
- Service to Adventist Societies
- e.g. Hyve Conference, Adventist Historians Conference, etc.
- Church worship service
- Miscellaneous not Allowed
- Disaster response trips (can count for Service-learning)
- Student missions service abroad (can count for service-learning)
- Events primarily for students, employees, or alumni
- e.g. music performances on campus in which community members are invited, and Homecoming events
How do I check my Gen Ed Christian Service progress
Watch this video to learn how to check your Gen Ed Christian Service progress
How do I find SERV-2 course options?
Service-Learning courses for the current and upcoming semester may be viewed on the Academics Course Schedule page. (Under Filter Options, filter by General Education Requirements and scroll down
to SERV2 Christian Service)
I participated in a community service activity at home / church / other organization. Can I get service credit for it?
We are grateful for your service. All community service must be pre-approved by the
Christian Service Program in order to count toward graduation requirements. Please
reach out to us with any questions.
Where can I sign up for a Community Service activity?
Please click the Find Opportunities button at the top of this page. If a student or student organization wishes to participate
in a service event that is not listed, they should submit a request by clicking the Request New Event button above and describing the activity and the non-profit organization involved.
Where can I go to to discuss a Student-initiated project?
The Christian Service Office is in the Bietz Center for Student Life, Suite 2602,
across from the top of the slide. You may also schedule an appointment to meet with
us.
What is Southern's definition of "community"?
Southern’s focus for community service is in partnering with nonprofits in the local
area within an hour’s drive of campus. Exceptions must be pre-approved by emailing serve@southern.edu