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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don鈥檛 reach the minimum hours?
You would simply not receive the PVSA. Alternatively, you can email PVSA@american.edu for consideration to switch eligibility periods.听
Do I have to pay for the award package?
No. The award package is provided by the university to recognize your commitment of serving others.
Who is in charge of administering PVSA at 国产小呦女?
The Center for Community Engagement and Service (CCES), located on-campus at MGC 273. Feel free to visit to learn more about PVSA in-person.
Could 鈥渕andatory鈥 hours from CCES programs, such as CSLP and DC Reads, count towards PVSA?
Definitely, as long as they are not "ineligible service" and are logged accurately on GivePulse.听
How do I log my hours towards PVSA?
First, establish an account on GivePulse by clicking 鈥淟og into my 国产小呦女Portal鈥 when prompted. Then, register on .听
Can I start at any time?
Technically, yes! However, the eligibility period still is one year and is set by 国产小呦女so you'd either need 100 hours in a "calendar year" (January 1 to December 31) or "academic year" (April 1 to March 31 of the following year).
Can I add my hours retroactively?
Yes, as听long as your service hours lands within the eligibility period and you submit your hours before the last day of the period.听
How does verification work?
A student must have their community partner become an 鈥淎ffiliate鈥 on GivePulse, which allows them to become an admin听and have verification privileges. Check out our GivePulse tab on the left for more information on how to become an Affiliate.
How do I verify my hours if my community partner is not an Affiliate on GivePulse?
We encourage community partners to become an Affiliate. However, if there are reasonable obstacles, please contact PVSA@american.edu for manual input. Be prepared to provide information for the point of contact to verify your hours.听
What happens when I complete my hours?
If you have earned eligible hours, CCES will process an award package for you. Then, you will be notified of your eligibility and instructions for receiving your award package.
Do my hours have to be from the same organization?
Absolutely not!听
Does service-learning related training or workshops count?
If they are intended听to impact your service-learning experience, then yes. However, CCES has the right to not count training that it deems ineligible.听
If I don't get paid hourly, but the organization provides me with stipends, would that service still count towards hours?
Travel stipends, transit/parking passes, membership passes, expense reimbursements, and other nominal volunteer support (like food) do not impact service eligibility.
I volunteer through an 国产小呦女Club/Greek Organization/DC Reads, does that service count towards PVSA?
Yes! As long as that service is benefiting others in the community (preferably though nonprofit organizations), and is tracked and verified in GivePulse.
What is the Lifetime Achievement Award and how do I apply for it?
The Lifetime Achievement Award is for anyone who completes 4,000+ hours of service in their lifetime (not restricted to a calendar year).
To apply for it, please contact PVSA@american.edu and provide听records, which can prove your听completion of at least 4000 hours.