Community Service

Credit Language

EN 13: Community Service – version 2.2

Frequently Asked Questions

How has this credit changed from STARS 2.1 to 2.2?

Substantive changes were made. A new part added to recognize institutions that provide incentives for employee community service. New definitions were added, and applicability changed to all institutions. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the 2.2 Summary of changes.

Are there there other credits that ask for the same information?

Number of students enrolled for credit should be equal to or lower than what is reported in PRE 5 and EN 1. Institutions may exclude non-credit, continuing education, and/or part-time students from EN 13. See related Help Center article on sharing information between credits.

Example Responses

  • Arizona State University – Good detail provided under both student and employee service sections. Includes links to a policy that describes PTO for employees who are involved in external volunteer activities.
  • University of New Hampshire – Comprehensive information provided for student service, including a detailed upload. A small discrepancy in student counts between this credit and PRE 5 is clarified in the Notes field.

Common Issues Identified During Review

  • Data consistency: Number of students enrolled for credit should be equal to or lower than what is reported in PRE 5. Institutions may exclude non-credit, continuing education, and/or part-time students from EN 13. Valid discrepancies should be clarified in the Notes field.
  • Part 3: To earn points in this section, a formal program to support employee volunteering during regular work hours must be in place (e.g., offering paid time off for volunteering or by sponsoring an organized service event for which employees are compensated). Informal events that don’t result in time off or compensation are not sufficient.

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