1. What is the difference between cultural volunteer hours and non-cultural volunteer hours?

Cultural volunteer hours can be earned by participating in something that is directly dealing with a student’s culture. An example would be a student participating in a classroom discussion in which he or she talks about his or her culture. Cultural hours are not limited to this one example, but if you have any questions regarding volunteer hours, please contact the Office of International Studies. The Office of International Studies is located in Stratton Room 204; Phone Number: 610-683-1390.

Non-Cultural volunteer hours are any other hours that do not deal directly with a student’s culture. An example would be volunteering to assistant coach a soccer team. Again, non-cultural hours are not limited to this one example.

2. How many Cultural and Non-Cultural volunteer hours do I need?

If you have a partial tuition waiver (25% - 75% scholarship) you need to complete 12 Cultural hours and 24 Non-Cultural hours for a total of 36 volunteer hours per semester.

If you have a full tuition waiver (100% scholarship) you need to complete 24 Cultural hours and 36 Non-Cultural hours for a total of 60 volunteer hours per semester.

3. Where can I find volunteer hours?

Visit the Community Outreach Center for volunteer opportunities both on and off campus. The Center is located in the Student Union Building Room 281; you can also visit their website for more information. Also, you will receive emails periodically regarding opportunities; here is a list of our current volunteer opportunities. If you are having trouble fulfilling your hours, please visit the Office of International Studies immediately! Don’t wait until the last minute!

4. Can students earn volunteer hours for working while being paid?

Yes.  They can use their work to count for 1/3 of their non-cultural hours.  So, for a partial waiver, that's 8 hours, and for a full waiver it's 12 hours.  (Some students ask if they can use work hours on a one-to-one basis, and the answer is no.)

5. If a student attends a meeting like ISO or Model UN can that count towards their hours? Would the hours be cultural or non-cultural?

Yes.  They count as cultural.  Officers meetings and getting supplies for an organization, selling popcorn and that alike, count as non-cultural.

6. What are “Reporting Sessions” and am I responsible for going to them?

Twice a semester you are expected to meet with Professor Crisson to talk about your progress and show her what volunteer hours you completed up until that point. The Spring 2007 sessions are scheduled for March 5-9 and April 16-20. You will receive an email when appointments are available for sign up. Appointments are first come first serve meaning that if you wait until the last minute to sign up you may not be able to schedule a time that fits your schedule.

7. I’m a graduating senior, do I need to do community service?

8. What is the ISO and when do they meet?

The ISO is the International Student Organization of Kutztown University. All international students at Kutztown University are automatically a member and all other Kutztown students are invited to join. The organization hosts a number of activities including trips, bowling nights, the ISO banquet, and bi-weekly meetings. Meetings take place every other Thursday at 5pm in the John B. White Multicultural Center. For more information, please visit the ISO website or email them at iso@kutztown.edu.