Community Engaged Scholars Transcript Designation (CES) documents and recognizes undergraduate students for their community engagement experiences.
Why does this benefit my college experience?
Skill Development
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Allows individuals to develop essential teamwork, leadership, communication, problem-solving, and time management skills. These competencies are highly valued in the professional world and can enhance employability. (files.eric.ed.gov)
Networking Opportunities
- Provides opportunities to build relationships with diverse groups, including professionals, community leaders, and peers. These connections can lead to mentorship opportunities, job referrals, and collaborations that benefit career advancement. (eric.ed.gov)
Real-World Experience
- Allows students to utilize coursework theories and learning in practical settings, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. This experience is invaluable in understanding industry dynamics and enhancing one's resume. (files.eric.ed.gov)
Improved Academic Outcomes
- Studies have shown that students involved in community service or service-learning projects often experience better academic performance, increased motivation, and a deeper understanding of course material, all of which contribute to personal and professional growth. (files.eric.ed.gov)
Career Exploration
- Supports exploration of various fields and industries, helping them make informed decisions about their career paths. This exploration can lead to discovering new interests and passions that align with their professional goals. (journals.aiac.org.au)
Official Recognition
- Recognition during graduation with unique engaged scholar cord and in commencement materials
How to Become an Engaged Scholar
This designation opportunity is for UNO undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. To be recognized, students must go through the following component modules, complete area reflections and one final reflection. The following is an overview of the requirements, some of which you may have already completed.
Community-Based Learning Experience
Here are some examples:
- Internship (credit or non-credit applies)
- Practicum (requirement through your program or area of study)
- Research that involves or benefits the community
- Capstone projects
- Undergraduate thesis that involves or benefits the community
- Global engagement/study abroad experience with community-based learning focus
- One year as an intern through The Student Service and Leadership Collaborative (The Collaborative)
- Academic Learning Community Requirements (Community-engaged research, narrative portfolios, etc.)
Students must complete 1 community-based learning experience equivalent to 3 credit hours or 135 hours of effort.
6 Hours of Service Learning Coursework
- Students can find service learning courses at UNO through the course search - by selecting "Service Learning" in the "Programs to Include" portion of the search
- If a student takes more than 6 hours of service learning coursework, the additional hours may be considered for the community-based learning requirement (approval required)
135 Hours of Volunteering
- Service hours completed as part of a UNO Academic Learning Community requirement
- Service hours either on or off campus that directly support a community organization
- Service hours through participation in UNO's Signature Service Days and events
- Incoming or Dual Enrolled Students: Service hours completed within 4 months after graduating high school (maximum of 40 hours)
- Transfer Students: Students transferring to UNO may apply service hours completed within the semester before at their previous institution (maximum of 40 hours)
For questions about whether or not your coursework experiences apply to the above, please email us at unoengagement@unomaha.edu.
How do I get started?
Enroll on the Canvas page. Once you join the Canvas page, students must complete an information form to express official interest in the designation.