FAQs About Service
I’m a student and would like to do some type of community service through a student organization. I am thinking of opportunities such as Habitat for Humanity, working with children at Duke Hospital or tutoring at a local elementary school. Where should I go?
DukeGroups offers a full listing of student organizations. You can look for a specific group or go to the “service” category and find a list of all groups that do service in the community.
I am in a service oriented student organization and heard about a student group that helps service organizations coordinate their efforts. What is it called?
The Duke Partnership for Service (DPS) is what you’re looking for. It’s a student-run organization that helps students make a difference by connecting them with the causes that matter most to them. The goal of DPS is to build a new service community at Duke that's more innovative, effective, entrepreneurial, and most of all, personal.
I am interested in starting a new service group to partner with community organizations in Durham. Where should I look for resources?
You should contact OSAF about starting a new student organization. In terms of your organization working with community partners, you should contact Stacey Craig at the Duke University Office of Community Affairs at 919-668-1033. She will be happy to offer input on your plans and direct you to resources and partners in Durham.
I am really interested in participating in an Alternative Spring Break this year but I don’t know how to get involved.
The Office of Student Activities and Facilities coordinates the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program. Visit the ASB website or call 919-684-4741 for more information.
I am interested in alternative service opportunities (i.e., serving over the summer, serving outside of Durham, or taking time off from academic study for full-time semester or year-long service).
DukeEngage provides funding for Duke undergraduates who wish to pursue an immersive (minimum of eight weeks) service experience by meeting a community need locally, domestically or internationally. Duke undergraduates in good standing who have completed two semesters of coursework are eligible and may apply. DukeEngage will cover expenses (travel and living) associated with the immersion experience. For more information, see the DukeEngage website.
I’m a student and am really interested in doing community service this semester. I think I’d rather do it separately from a student organization.
You should visit the Duke Center for Civic Engagement - Durham Programs (DCCE-Durham) website and search for available opportunities of interest to you or view the agency list to explore the many nonprofits in the area. You may also subscribe to one of our themed email lists to receive the newest opportunities as they become available. For additional help contact Domonique Redmond.
There is also an opportunity to serve at a nonprofit organization through the work-study program. The Duke Center for Civic Engagement provides a list of community-based work-study opportunities. Be sure to check with your financial aid officer to make sure you qualify. Those that do should contact the organization directly to schedule an interview.
I hear a lot about the Duke-Durham Neighborhood Partnership but I don’t know what it is. I would love more information.
You can contact the Duke University Office of Community Affairs at 919-668-1033. They will be able to tell you all about the partnership and how you can get involved.
I’m a faculty member and I would like to incorporate service learning into my course. With whom should I speak?
You should contact Kristin Wright, the Service Learning Program Coordinator in the Program in Education at 919-660-3075. Their website will also give you great information.
I am a graduate student or a Duke employee looking for more ways to volunteer. Are there campus resources for me?
Visit the Duke Community Engagement webpage to find out more about the Office of Durham and Regional Affairs, the Office of Community Affairs, the Duke-Durham Neighborhood Partnership, and the Doing Good in the Neighborhood Campaign. Contact Stacey Craig at 919-668-1033, to learn about ways to get involved and support the University's ongoing commitment to the Durham community.
I work with an organization that serves the community and would love to have student volunteers.
The Duke Center for Civic Engagement-Durham Programs (DCCE-Durham) partners with over 300 local nonprofit community partners by publicizing their volunteer needs. Visit the community and university partners link on their website to learn how to list your needs.