Scholar Recognition
We CU recognizes students for their community-based work. Scholars are honored for completing many types of service, including opportunities matched through academic courses or student organizations, projects organized by individual students, and volunteer hours with community partner organizations.
How to submit your service hours
All undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who complete a service project each year (approximately 20 service hours) will be eligible for the award. Students should submit their service hours using the Student Recognition Form by April 21, 2024, to be considered for the 2024 award.
What counts as service
Community engagement comes in many different forms, and We CU recognizes a wide variety of unpaid and low-paid activities as service. For an activity to be counted as service for We CU, it usually must be connected to or benefit a community-based nonprofit organization, a government agency, or a campus community service organization. The following types of service hours may count toward We CU recognition:
- Volunteering
- Advocacy
- Unpaid or low-wage internships below minimum wage
- Service completed though service learning classes or as part of an academic program
Celebrating our scholars
We CU will honor students, instructors, and community partners at our annual recognition ceremony at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center on April 25. Read about last spring’s celebration and the positive impact We CU partners have had in the Champaign-Urbana community.
FAQs
Do I need to join We CU before submitting my service hours?
You automatically join We CU when you submit your service hours using the Student Recognition Form. Benefits of joining We CU include:
- University support and recognition for community service
- Eligibility for the mini-grants program to offset costs associated with service activities
- Cultural competency training to enrich your service work and strengthen their relationships
- Guidance on how to communicate your service experience on resumes and in interviews.
What does not count as service?
We CU does not count some activities as service. These include:
- Paid work and internships above minimum wage
- Religious instruction
- Tutoring or babysitting siblings or friends
- Any work that does not fit with your vision of service
We CU only matches service opportunities with service learning courses. We do not post volunteer opportunities for individual students or match individual volunteers with community organizations. If you are looking for opportunities to get involved outside of class, please contact the Office of Civic Life.