Certificate Code: 613A
CIP Code: 33.0104

Civic Engagement
University College
Brian MacHarg, Director of Academic Civic Engagement
(828) 262-8211

Appalachian State University encourages students to look beyond the boundaries of the classroom through a variety of civic engagement opportunities. The Civic Engagement Program honors students who have participated in a significant number of service-learning courses throughout their collegiate career and have distinguished themselves by demonstrating an outstanding level of commitment to civic leadership and social responsibility.

REQUIREMENTS: Students completing the Civic Engagement Certificate Program must

1. Meet all requirements for graduation with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
2. Complete at least 4 ACT-sponsored service-learning and/or community-based research courses (12 credit hours). Not all courses must be related to their chosen major or minor.
3. Compile a portfolio of assignments done in service-learning courses, as well as final reflections from those courses.
4. Participate in one of the following service-learning capstone projects in their final year at Appalachian State University:
   • Take the Public Service Research Program course, or an independent study, to complete a community-based research project that includes field work, a written report, and an action plan.
   • Participate in a long-term International Service-Learning experience, of at least 3 credit-hours and/or 6-8 weeks in length. Students will be required to write a final paper reflecting on their experience and addressing how future students may contribute to that community based on its needs, population, and the agency with which they worked.

Students should consult with their major advisor and with the ACT office on ways in which the service-learning capstone project may be integrated into the capstone required for their major.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Complete a Change to Program of Study with your individual department or college
• Contact Appalachian & the Community Together (ACT) no later than the beginning of the fall semester of senior year to inform them of your intention to graduate as a Civic Engagement Scholar.
• Choose a service-learning capstone project and meet with ACT staff by the beginning of the fall semester of your senior year to ensure that the project meets the requirements.
• Turn in service-learning portfolio by the middle of the final semester of their senior year. This portfolio will be read by a team of faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

ALL CITIZEN SCHOLARS WILL BE RECOGNIZED WITH A:

• Certificate at the ACT Celebration in April
• Designated stole at commencement
• Note on the academic transcript.

For more information and for details on how to apply, visit: www.act.appstate.edu/civic-engagement