Community service is deeply embedded in the foundation of Alvernia University and is central to the mission of our Catholic, Franciscan institution. Service allows students to use their gifts and talents to help those in need and to support an organization’s purpose-driven mission. Additionally, community service is an integral part of students’ learning experiences.
Alvernia undergraduate and adult students must perform at least 40 hours of community service before being certified for graduation. Transfer students must perform a pre-determined number of community service hours before being certified. Any student identified as an active or former military member will have their graduation service requirement waived.
Days of Service are an Alvernia tradition dating back to the 1990s. Five service days are organized throughout the year, allowing the university to connect with the community on multiple service projects:
- Orientation Day of Service, held on the opening weekend of fall semester
- Feast of St. Francis Day in October
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January
- Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine in February
- Earth Day in April
