Campus Coordinators
Frequently Asked Questions
(click on the question to link to the answer)
- How are slots disseminated and how many does our campus receive?
- What happens if our campus does not fill all of the allotted slots? Or what if we fill all the slots and need more?
- What if a student is unable to complete the program?
- How does the recruitment and orientation process work?
- When can I enroll a member?
- Can I implement a more rigorous screening process and/or program design?
- Is there just one NC-ACTS! Campus Coordinator on my campus?
- Can I or should I serve as a Site Supervisor to any NC-ACTS! Members?
- Who is responsible for completing and sending paperwork?
- What service activities are appropriate or not appropriate?
- What are some specific examples of service activities a member can do?
- Does international service/study abroad count? What about alternative break trips...summer service in another state?
- Are their any requirements for student teacher placements?
- Can a member engage in fundraising?
- What if there is a concern with the quality or nature of the member’s service activities?
- Who keeps the original documents?
- Can a driver’s license be used for identification verification?
- Can documents be faxed?
- Will AmeriCorps or NC Campus Compact staff visit my campus?
How are slots disseminated and how many does our campus receive?
In April of each academic year, NC Campus Compact will disseminate a Request for NC-ACTS! Slots for the following academic year. At that time, each campus will request the number of slots that they believe their campus can handle based on interest and capacity. If the campus has previously participated in the NC-ACTS! program, the Program Director will review the retention rate from the past two years. If the combined retention rate was 60% of less, this will impact the number of slots the campus will receive. In some cases, this may cause a reduction in the number of slots requested. Campuses who have participated in the program for 3 or more years who experience persistent low retention rates may not receive any slots. The Program Director will confirm slot allowances to campuses by May 15.
What happens if our campus does not fill all of the allotted slots? Or what if we fill all our slots and need more?
NC Campus Compact expects each participating campus to make every effort to fill the number of slots they were allotted. Ideally a campus will fill all their slots during the fall and spring enrollment periods. NC Campus Compact will contact campuses in the spring who have not filled all their slots to determine if they will use them or wish to return them to the larger pull. If a campus does not fill 90% of the slots requested in a given year, this may impact their number of slots they will receive the following year.
At any point during the program year, the Campus Coordinator may contact the Program Director to request additional slots.
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What if a student is unable to complete the program?
NC Campus Compact expects each participating campus to make every effort to retain students in the program. Even if a student cannot complete the program during one academic year, they still have the summer semester and typically a few months into the fall semester (depending on when they were enrolled the previous year). Please keep in mind that once a student exceeds 45 hours, the slot is lost to the state. If they exit the program with less than 45 hours, the slot is considered re-fillable and can be filled by another student. If you notice that a student enrolls in the program and does not turn a time log in for 2 months, this should be a red flag to follow-up with the student. The Program Director will try to assist you in identifying students who deserve additional attention due to the low number or infrequency of hours completed.
However, situations do arise that will not allow a student to continue. If a student must exit the program without completing the requirements, the Campus Coordinator must complete a Non-Completion Form (found on the Forms page of this website). The student and Coordinator should both sign the form. If the student has dropped out of school or is unavailable, the Coordinator should note this on the form.
How does the recruitment and orientation process work?
NC-ACTS! uses a train-the-trainer model. We provide you with recruitment and program materials on the Campus Coordinator Homepage and in the Campus Coordinator Program Manual. We train you and any additional staff you identify, at the beginning of the program year, on how to coordinate the program and facilitate orientations. You in-turn will orient and train your students and community partners about the program.
Students interested in the program must attend a pre-service orientation. You can choose this is a large group setting or one-on-one. This should take place prior to the member enrolling in the program or at the start of their service. During this session you can use the PowerPoint provided on this website (feel free to modify) or design your own presentation. During the orientation you should explain the program requirements and expectations and pass out the required forms. We highly recommend having students complete the enrollment paperwork at this time. Because most students commit to service in the beginning of the academic year, Campus Compact encourages a strong emphasis on recruitment and enrollment in the fall quarter/semester. However, the NC-ACTS! program does offer enrollment at two additional times in the calendar year. As a result, it is important to have mechanisms in place that allow Members to participate in orientations during each enrollment period.
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When can I enroll a member?
Designated enrollment periods are below. All enrollments are expected to take place during this time period. The Program Director will consider enrollments outside of the designated periods on a case-by-case basis.
Fall Enrollment: August 1 - October 15
Spring Enrollment: January 1 - March 15
Summer Enrollment: May 15 - June 15
Can I implement a more rigorous screening and/or program design?
Yes. Several participating campuses create an additional application process for potential members. Such applications include a written component in which a member discusses their reason for wanting to join and include a place for a potential member to list their schedule and other involvement. All screening processes must adhere to AmeriCorps regulations regarding non-discrimination and reasonable accommodation. A collection of sample applications from participating campuses is available on the Campus Coordinator homepage.
With regard to program design, every participating campus must use the standard forms provided. There can be no modifications to any forms. Additionally all members must participate in a minimum of two reflections and complete the exit survey. A school may choose to enact additional requirements and guidelines such as additional reflections, additional service projects, leadership roles etc… However, they should clear all additional requirements with the Program Director prior to implementation.
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Is there just one NC-ACTS! Campus Coordinator on my campus?
Yes. In order to streamline communication, the NC-ACTS! Program Director will only communicate with one Campus Coordinator per participating campus. Within your campus you may have multiple contacts that assist you in recruitment and coordination of the program but all communication with the NC Campus Compact office should take place through you. In addition to streamlining communication, this ensures that you are aware of all questions and concerns that are related to the program on your campus. As a Campus Coordinator, you play a leadership role as a key point of contact.
For example, if you work with the chair of the Education Department to recruit students and even allow this person to oversee the members from her department, she should NOT communicate directly with the NC Campus Compact staff. She should direct her questions through you. In this way you will know if there are problems or challenges. You should be aware at all times of the status of each member on your campus.
Can I or should I serve as a Site Supervisor to any NC-ACTS! members?
A Campus Coordinator can serve as a Site Supervisor. Generally, the intent of NC-ACTS! Is for students to serve in community sites but students may serve at up to 3 sites and one of the sites can be the community-service or service-learning office on campus as long as their activities meet the stated program goals.
You will obviously need to consider if you can manage the responsibilities involved with serving as the Campus Coordinator and handle the responsibilities involved with being a Site Supervisor forms and evaluations also required.
Who is responsible for completing and sending paperwork?
The Campus Coordinator is ultimately responsible for sending the paperwork to the NC Campus Compact office. You obviously will need to work with the member and Site Supervisor to ensure that all forms are completed and submitted in a timely manner. The NC Campus Compact office will send monthly updates to inform you of the status of member paperwork and hours.
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What service activities are appropriate or not appropriate?
A Member’s service activities should follow program and AmeriCorps guidelines including:
- Service in one or more of the focus areas: Education, Human Needs/Services, or Volunteer Recruitment/Capacity Building.
- Direct Service hours must be voluntary and follow AmeriCorps Prohibited Activities guidelines. Click here for a list of Prohibited Activities.
- The ONLY paid position for which a Member can accrue hours for both a job and for the NC-ACTS! program is a service-related, Federal/State-funded Work Study position. All other service must be non-paid (including internships, academic course-related service, and general volunteer service).
- Member Development hours must contribute to a Member’s personal and professional development, and service experience.
- Direct Service will constitute at least 80% (240) of the total hours; Member Development/Training hours will constitute no more than 20% (60) of the total hours. If a member exceeds 20% Member Development/Training hours they must "make up" those hours in Direct Service.
What are some specific examples of service activities Members can do?
Members can do virtually any type of community service, as long as it is in one of the focus areas for NC-ACTS!; education, human needs/services and volunteer recruitment/capacity building, including:
- Most volunteer work, including tutoring, mentoring, stream restoration, wildlife conservation
- Volunteer recruitment
- Campus-based volunteer programs and general community service
- Academic and co-curricular service-learning
- Federal/state work study-funded community service positions (the only eligible paid positions)
- Non-paid academic internships with a service focus including student teaching
- Practicum hours, such as nursing, counseling, social work and more!
For an understanding of the distinction between direct service activities and member development/training hours, click this link.
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Does international service/study abroad count? What about alternative break trips....summer service in another state?
All hours must be completed in the United States. However, they do not have to take place in North Carolina. For example, a student may count alternative break service trip hours (up to 10 per day - not overnight) even if it takes place in another state. Also, many students return to their home state during the summer. If a student is completing their hours in another state, however, they must submit a valid Site Supervisor and Site Agreement for the agency/org/school where they will serve.
Are there any specific requirements for student teacher placements?
Yes. Click this link for a listing. Please note that is it up to the student or Campus Coordinator to determine eligibility.
Can a member engage in fundraising?
Yes. But fundraising activities cannot constitute more than 10% (30 hours) of the total 300 hours to be served. These fundraising activities must provide immediate and direct support to a specific and direct service activity. They should not be the member’s primary function nor should they fund the agency’s capital or operating costs.
Examples of fundraising activities that members may perform include, but are not limited to the following: i.) Seeking donations of books from companies and individuals for a program in which volunteers tutor children to read; ii.) Writing a grant proposal to a foundation to secure resources to support the training of volunteers; iii.) Securing supplies and equipment from the community to enable volunteers to help build houses for low-income individuals; iv.) Securing financial resources from the community to assist a faith-based organization in launching or expanding a program that provides social services to the members of the community and is delivered, in whole or in part, through the members of the faith-based organization; or v.) Seeking donations from alumni of the program for specific service projects being performed by current members.
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What if there is a concern with the quality or nature of the member's service activities?
While Site Supervisors are encouraged to work directly with Members to outline responsibilities and expectations, if the Site Supervisor or NC-ACTS! member needs clarification or has a concern; he/she should contact you to resolve the situation. If you have additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact the NC-ACTS! Program Director.
Who keeps the original documents?
Please send all original forms to the NC Campus Compact office and make a copy for your files. This does NOT apply to the form of identification that is submitted. As the Campus Coordinator you should view the original document and make a copy of it. Then you will sign the Member Eligibility Verification Form and send it into the office with your signature and a copy of the document.
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Can a driver's license be used for identification verification?
No. Only a valid passport, birth certificate or any of the other documents listed on the Member Eligibility Verification Form.
Can documents be faxed?
In general - no. However, if a deadline is near, you can request permission to fax documents, but will need to send the original document with original signatures as soon as possible.
Will AmeriCorps or NC Campus Compact staff visit my campus?
NC-ACTS! staff will endeavor to visit institutions who participate in the NC-ACTS! program at least once every two years. During the visit the NC-ACTs! Program Director will review program administration including files and tracking systems. The Program Director also welcomes the opportunity to meet current NC-ACTS! members and community partners during this visit. Also NC Campus Compact staff welcome any opportunity to celebrate or recognize NC-ACTS! members so please send along any invitations for such events.
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