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CHRISTIAN SERVICE

  • Christian Service

Graduation Requirements

Following Jesus' example, Southern Adventist University encourages students to integrate their faith and learning. The Christian Service graduation requirement is intended to help students develop the ability to become contributing members of churches, families, groups, and communities.

The Christian Service Program requires students to serve in two main categories:
community service and service-learning.

How many hours of Community Service do I need to graduate?
Every student must complete 3 organized and pre-approved community service activities with a minimum of 3 hours each. Transferring sophomores need to complete two activities. Transferring juniors or seniors, and associate graduates need to complete one service activity.

How many hours of Service-Learning do I need to graduate?
Every student must earn 2 Service-Learning Credits such as those included in (SERV-2) designated courses, short term mission trips or approved student initiated projects (15 hours minimum each). Transferring sophomores need to complete two. Transferring juniors or seniors, and associate graduates need to complete one. Each Service-Learning class and opportunity counts as 1 Service-Learning Credit.

Community Service Event Eligibility

Southern Adventist University encourages and values all types of Christian service. However, only certain types of service may be counted toward the graduation requirement. Students may sign up for service events at southern.edu/serve. Students or student organizations desiring a service event not listed should complete a service event request with a description of the activity and non-profit organization to request approval before participating in a service project. Once pre-approval has been granted, students may receive credit for service done with a nonprofit community partner.

Guidelines for an Approved Service Event

  • Service benefits a nonprofit organization or its clients
  • Service is off campus
  • Service is non-compensated (payment, enrichment/class/vespers credit)
  • Service is 3-5* hours, not including driving time
  • Service is provided to the local community outside of university and traditional Seventh-day Adventist circles. (E.g, church-based service that is outward facing and provides a direct benefit to the community such as health seminars, food for the homeless, and English as a Second Language [ESL] classes
*Service events less than 3 hours may combine to make one service activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find SERV-2 course options?
Service-Learning courses for the current and upcoming semester may be viewed on the Academics Course Schedule page. (Under Filter Options, filter by General Education Requirements and scroll down to SERV2 Christian Service)
I participated in a community service activity at home / church / other organization. Can those hours count toward the community service graduation requirement?
We are grateful for your service. All community service must be pre-approved by the Christian Service Program in order to count toward graduation requirements. Please reach out to us with any questions. 
Where can I sign up for a Community Service activity?
Please visit southern.edu/serve to view community service opportunities. 
Where can I go to meet with someone about a Student Initiated Service-Learning Project?
The Christian Service Office is in the Bietz Center for Student Life, Suite 2602, across from the top of the slide. You may also schedule an appointment to meet with us.
What is Southern's definition of "community"?

Southern’s focus for community service is in partnering with nonprofits in the local area within an hour’s drive of campus. Exceptions must be pre-approved by emailing serve@southern.edu 

Are there any exceptions to the community service guidelines?
  • On campus service exceptions (must be pre-approved)
    • Service must be outward facing to the community
    • Service must be connected with a nonprofit community partner
    • Service must includes some type of meeting with the non-profit served
      • e.g. graphic design students provide designs for domestic violence emphasis month, and include a zoom visit with Family Justice Center representative to learn of the organization and the connection between their service and those served
  • Church / Traditional University, Seventh-day Adventist Circles Allowed
    • Service includes community-focused programming and engagement
      • e.g. health seminars, Dinner with the Doctor, ministry to the homeless, ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, SonRise
  • Church / Traditional University, SDA Circles not Allowed
    • Church worship service
      • e.g. praise team, greeting, teaching Sabbath School, evangelistic series, spiritual seminars/conferences, Pathfinders
    • Service to Adventist Societies
      • e.g. Hyve Conference, Adventist Historians Conference, etc.
  • Miscellaneous not Allowed
    • Disaster response trips (can count for Service-learning)
    • Student missions service abroad (can count for service-learning)
    • Events primarily for students, employees, or alumni
      • e.g. music performances on campus in which community members are invited, and Homecoming events 
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