Deadline for initial Dobson proposal for Spring 2009 is December 5, 2008. Your entire Dobson application must be complete by January 15, 2009 for Dobson funded service in the Spring semester.

DOBSON VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAM

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The Dobson Volunteer Service Program is a capstone service experience at the University of South Carolina. Participants engage in meaningful service internships and have the opportunity to make a positive impact in communities that have limited means to care for themselves in South Carolina and other locations, both inside and outside the United States. The University of South Carolina community has a strong ethic of service and continually engages in service locally, nationally, and internationally. The program is available to USC undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty who meet selection criteria. Participants compete through an application and interview selection process. The goals for all participants engaged in the Dobson Volunteer Service Program are to develop an increased sense of civic responsibility and academic self-confidence; achieve higher grades; enhance leadership ability; develop critical thinking skills; and to deepen their understanding of national and community problems. By combining formal study with service to the community, students find that their learning takes on greater depth and meaning.

LOCAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAM

Internship Opportunities
Participants in the Dobson Local Volunteer Service Program have the opportunity to assist communities in need throughout the state of South Carolina. Students selected are placed at an approved Dobson Service Site on a per semester basis and typically work an average of 10 hours per week. Previous sites have included Lutheran Hospice, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia, and Communities in Schools of South Carolina. Students who are selected are expected to participate in orientation meetings prior to the beginning of the semester and monthly program meetings throughout the semester.

Potential Academic Credit
USC students from all academic colleges are encouraged to participate in the Dobson Volunteer Service Program. By combining formal study with service to others, students find their learning takes on greater depth and meaning. All students should consult their academic advisor to explore independent study available in their individual college or major. Enrollment and the topic of the independent study must be approved in advance by the instructor, advisor, department head, and dean. A contract is required. See "Independent Study" in the University Bulletin for all regulations governing independent study courses. Appropriate independent study courses may not be available in all colleges or majors.

Financial Support
Participants who are selected for the Dobson Volunteer Service Program will receive necessary financial assistance during the term of the internship. Support is provided for students to empower and enable them to participate in this service and mission opportunity.

GLOBAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAM

Internship Opportunities
The Dobson Global Volunteer Service Program is an enriching international service program designed for USC students and faculty who want to make a positive difference in the world. Participants have opportunities to work with children, the homeless, and other populations of people in need. As a result, they develop personal and spiritual characteristics that lead to an improvement in the quality of life for those they serve. Program participants have the opportunity to be engaged in a meaningful service and mission internships beyond South Carolina. The program is intended to unite academic study and community service so that the service performed connects the knowledge gained in the classroom, thus making it relevant to a life goal of loving one's fellow man.

Program and Site Selection
Through the Global Volunteer Service Program, participants have the opportunity to serve their fellow man by aiding and assisting those in need through a partnership with an existing service agency outside South Carolina. Previous approved service opportunities have included Mission Boards Volunteer in Missions International, Volunteers in Medical Mission, and Presbyterian Church Mission to the World. Applicants must submit a Global Service and Mission Profile for approval by the Dobson Executive Board. The minimum criteria for program and site selection include being: 1) a registered non-profit service agency and/or religious organization; 2) an existing agency for five years; 3) a provider of quality service and mission experience or training.

Financial Support
Students who are selected for the Dobson Global Volunteer Service Program can receive up to 50 percent of the needed funding. Each application will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Dobson Executive Board. Applicants are required to demonstrate their dedication to the initiative by raising the remaining funds. Support is provided for students to enable them to participate in this service and mission opportunity.

Post Internship
All participants in the Global Volunteer Service Program and Local Volunteer Service Program are required to provide a minimum of 10 presentations to University students, civic groups, religious groups, and local schools about their service experience. These presentations will create awareness of the importance of service, in addition to encouraging others to participate.

Application Procedure
To apply, submit an application, a current transcript, and three letters of recommendation. Applications are available each January and should be returned to the Office of the Director of Student Life, Russell House University Union, Suite 115.

For more information, please call 777-6688 or email: csoehl@mailbox.sc.edu