Service is an essential component of the Christian life. It is a way that we live out Jesus’ command to love our neighbor as ourselves. It is also an integral part of our school’s Marianist and Ursuline charisms.
The Ursuline Core Value of Service and Social Consciousness and the Marianist Characteristic of Education of Educating for Service, Justice, and Peace, influence our strong emphasis on service in the VASJ community. To this end the school has service requirements for each division to reinforce service as a key component of discipleship.
Student Service Hour Requirements
Freshmen must complete minimally one community service project that has been organized by the VASJ Campus Ministry department. These projects typically range from 3-5 hours and will take place on a weekend or other days when school is not in session, or in the evening. Freshmen must participate in one of these planned group projects.
Sophomores must complete minimally twenty (20) hours of community service: 5 hours during each quarter. Students may complete their service early and/or during the summer before the school year begins. However, a service proposal must be submitted to the Campus Minister before the project begins.
Juniors must complete minimally twenty-four (24) hours of community service: Six (6) hours during each quarter. Students may complete their service early and/or during the summer before the school year begins.
Seniors must participate fully in Halloween on Campus and Christmas on Campus which are outreach events held at VASJ for area school children. Participation is a graduation requirement for all members of the senior class.
- NO MONEY OR OTHER COMPENSATION MAY BE RECEIVED FOR SERVICE.
- A school-based service project will be accepted for only one (1) quarter of service. You will not earn service hours for more than one (1) quarter in this type of service.
Viking Service Award
Some students exceed the basic service requirements and generously go beyond meeting the minimum requirements.
To acknowledge these students and to encourage other students to see service as a life-long commitment, those students who meet the guidelines will receive the Viking Service Award. Their accomplishment will be recognized during the student awards ceremonies with an award certificate and will be listed in the graduation program as recipients of this award.
The award will be given to any student who meets or exceeds the following divisional requirements:
- Freshmen – 10 hours beyond the divisional requirement
- Sophomores – 20 hours beyond the divisional requirement
- Juniors – 24 hours beyond the divisional requirement
- Seniors – 30 hours beyond the divisional requirement
Divisional or team service days/projects will not count toward award hours. The service performed must follow the guidelines for service established by the Department of Campus Ministry. Service must be to a non-profit agency. The student must submit verification of the hours of service performed on the validation form established by the Department of Campus Ministry. The validation form can be found in the Student Service Packet listed below.