Community Service Learning and Engagement

Given the commitment to service of others in most Greek organization missions and the educational value that such service promulgates, all chapters will be expected to initiate and implement a minimum of six community service projects each year. 

Community service projects must involve at least 75% of the chapter over the course of the year and must be submitted with a press release to the Director of Public Relations for Greek Life. While raising money for charitable organizations clearly provides a valuable service for the community, chapters are expected to seek more direct means of community service.  It is anticipated that Greek organizations will fully appreciate the value for each member as well as the group in serving others less fortunate in our society and will be involved in more activities than the minimum. 

Acts of Service - are defined as projects that require the active participation and interaction of sorority and/or fraternity members such as Head Start Gift Wrapping or visits to local schools or nursing homes. These do not include can food drives or the collection of clothing or other such items. The classification of each project is to be determined by the Director of Public Relations for Greek Life.

The Office of Greek Affairs and Community Engagement Center can provide assistance in identifying service learning projects in the local area. Community service endeavors must be reported to the Director of Public Relations for Greek Life and documented in the Annual Report.

The Greek community has proudly adopted

Upshur County Head-Start as our Philanthropy Partner

The Greek community sponsors three all-Greek projects through-out the year to support Upshur County Head-Start program. 

In December, we provide Christmas presents for all Upshur County Head-Start Kids at their annual christmas party.  We ask every member of the Greek community to shop during Thanksgiving break and provide a gift for a young boy or girl in the amount of $5.00 - $7.00 per Gift.  We usually will collect from 225-300 gifts per year.

Just before the Easter Holiday, we provide and fill approximately 230 dozen plastic Easter eggs for their annual Easter Egg Hunt that occurs at five different locations through-out Upshur County.

The month of April is often synonymous for Greek Week and Spring Sing activities in our Greek community, and as many of you may know, it can get very competitive.  Therefore, we pause on the Tuesday of Greek Week and participate in the "Walk-for-the Children" fund raiser and reflect on our values and responsibilities "To do all you can..." and try to make a positive impact for our Buckhannon-Upshur community.  Collectively in 2007, we raised and donated $1000 for Upshur County Head-Start. 

Impact of Greek Community Engagement.

The Greek community collectively donates approximately 9,000 hours each year.

The Greek community collectively donated over $7000 in the 2007-2008 academic year.

Sororities average 16-20 community service learning opportunities each year.

Fraternities average 10-12 community service learning opportunities each year.