Yes! Students may earn up to three (3) free general elective credits by meeting the requirements for UNV 201.

You do not need to register for UNV 201 as you do for other classes. Simply complete this interest form, email us at centerforservice@missouriwestern.edu or stop by our office in Eder 202. We will then schedule a time for you to meet with one of our staff members for a brief orientation session. You can start the process any time throughout the year.

  • Let the Center for Service office know you are interested
  • Complete your one-on-one orientation at your convenience
  • Accept your invite to UNV 201 in Canvas
  • Complete the tasks in Canvas
  • Go out and complete your 40 hours of service/credit hour
  • Log your hours (VOMO) and provide signed verification of your hours
  • Complete your Survey of Service Learning
  • Write or video your service reflection
  • Meet for your debrief

You may earn up to three (3) credit hours. Each credit hour requires 40 hours of service.

At your orientation, we will discuss ideas for your volunteering based on your interests, schedule, career path and major. If you already have a volunteer activity you enjoy doing, we can talk about that as well. Volunteer hours may be completed at one or multiple locations. Click on “Service Opportunities” on this site to find volunteer opportunities.

Approved volunteer activities should take place with non-profit 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 tax-exempt public organizations, public Pre-K-12 schools, or local government entities.

Other organizations may be approved on a case-by-case basis keeping the following criteria in mind:

  • Have volunteer needs.
  • Serve a strictly charitable purpose.

Volunteer activities that will not be approved:

  • Work with private individuals.
  • Work with partisan political campaigns.
  • Work on behalf of for-profit entities.
  • Work in any religious organization for the purposes of proselytizing (all work performed for religious organizations must be to provide a community need (i.e. providing food, clothing, tutoring, etc.)
  • Volunteer hours that were completed prior to your orientation with the Center for Service.
  • Hours completed on campus unless the activity is helping a community outside of Missouri Western. Prior approval must be obtained.

Please check with Center for Service staff prior to volunteering to make sure your hours can be approved.

You may serve in your hometown. Contact the CFS in Eder Hall 202 for project approval.

Yes! The Center for Service schedules service events both on and off campus throughout the year. Some of our annual events include Griffs Give Back Day of Service, Campus Beautification Day (during Homecoming week), “What Are You Doing for Others” MLK Service Day, and “The Big Event”. We also volunteer at agencies such as United Way, YWCA, Second Harvest Community Food Bank and more! Anyone is welcome and encouraged to join us!

Volunteer hours may be completed as your time allows. You have one full calendar year (365 days) to complete each 40 hours you plan to serve for credit.

Hours for your UNV201 credit(s) begin accumulating following your orientation and completing the tasks in Canvas.

Absolutely! Service is a great way to gain applied learning experience and there’s no better time to start than your freshman year. Students entering Missouri Western for the first time will be eligible to start UNV201 after the start of their first semester.

A student must be degree-seeking and enrolled at least part-time to be eligible to earn UNV 201 Credit.

UNV201 is a general elective (not an elective within your major) and all undergraduates have choices for a variety of electives.

At the completion of 40 hours of service and other required activities, the Center for Service will submit information to the Registrar’s Office to award credit for UNV201. Each credit (up to three (3)) will be noted on the transcript.

Missouri Western cannot guarantee that UNV201 will transfer to another university. Students should direct questions regarding transferring the credit to the institution to which he or she will transfer.

Volunteer hours that are a requirement of another class may not be used toward UNV 201 volunteer hours.

Students on the Honors path will need to complete service-learning credit depending on which path you are on: General Honors (2) credits, Major Honors (1) credit. Please visit the Center for Service to learn more.

Yes, students wishing to earn UNV301 credit toward major electives must enroll in this course and complete the requirements within the semester. Students will need to reach out to the Center for Service to discuss steps and obtain a project proposal form.

No. Unlike UNV201, this course counts as an elective within the student’s major level coursework. Students must pay the regular tuition rate, but may enroll in anywhere from 1-3 credits, potentially making this a cost-saving option.

Students will need to find a nonprofit agency with an opportunity that aligns with their major. A project proposal will need to be submitted and approved by your department Chair.

You may volunteer anywhere you wish, as long as we are able to verify their nonprofit status and your department Chair approves your project.

Similar to UNV201, you will need to complete 40 hours of service for each credit you are obtaining.

There are 3 short writing assignments due throughout the semester, one at the beginning, one at mid-term and one at the end of the course. You will also need to turn in verification of your hours, fill out our Survey of Service Learning and meet with your instructor to have a “debrief” conversation about your experience.

You can earn a maximum of (3) credits through this course.

To be true service-learning, all hours must be completed off-campus or for the benefit of an off-campus, nonprofit or government agency. Service that is strictly assisting a MoWest department is prohibited. Students needing an on-campus opportunity due to transportation barriers will need to discuss potential projects with their advisor and the CFS Director.

Yes! UNV201 credits will count toward your lower-level, general electives. UNV301 counts toward your upper-level, major electives.