Community Service
Volunteering is an important aspect to community partnership and student development. Engaging in volunteer work during your time at Cal Maritime is an opportunity to give back to your community and stimulate a positive outlook on life. Whether you are helping to improve the housing of a veteran, combating illiteracy or simply spending time through an arts/sports program, your effort and commitment can make a big impact!
By investing a few hours of your time throughout a single semester, we can dramatically influence our surrounding community. Cal Maritime has worked closely with local non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies on projects that have helped to build sustainable partnerships that promote service and engagement for Cal Maritime students, faculty and staff.
Aside from investing in our local community, you are also investing in yourself! Companies seek to hire students who have actively engaged in volunteer work because of the invaluable insights they have gained, and also realize that volunteer work demonstrates a students' ability to work with diverse populations while touching the lives of those most in need. In fact, LinkedIn reports that 1 out of every 5 hiring managers in the U.S. has hired a candidate because of their volunteer experience!
Community Service Ribbon and Awards
Awards
Cadets can receive the Community Service Ribbon through demonstration of exemplary continuous community service hours (15+ per semester) that are documented through Community Engagement.
Ribbon recipients who complete the criteria for the Community Service Ribbon in subsequent semesters will be awarded stars at the conclusion of each semester, as per the Leadership award model:
- Bronze stars (up to three)
- Silver stars (up to three)
- Gold star
Additionally, there are corresponding reward items for different levels of service:
Level 1: 15-19 hours, Level 2: 20-29 hours, Level 3: 30-44 hours, Level 4: 45 - 59 hours, Level 5: 60+ hours.
Cadets must have documented community service hours through the Office of Community Engagement. Service must benefit an off-campus non-profit, governmental, or educational organization. Hours required for a class or student conduct could count toward the Community Service Ribbon and other awards under special circumstances -- prior approval from the Office of Commmunity Engagement is required.
Recognition
Cadets approved to receive Community Service Ribbons will be recognized at the close of each semester, either during a Community Engagement awards event or at Formation, by a representative from the Office of Community Engagement.