Community Engagement

Students with a heart for service seem to gravitate to Saint Francis University. Community engagement is deeply embedded in the culture of the institution, and is one of the six transformational experiences identified in the University’s strategic plan… Francis 2020. 

Our heart for service comes from the lessons that our patron St. Francis of Assisi himself imparted on us. St. Francis taught us that those have been given much are expected to give back. 

In 2019-20, our students recorded 29,866 hours of community service, valued at more than $759,492 dollars, according to the Independent Sector. Service is a way of life for our athletes, Greek communities, and every student organization on campus. Many faculty embed service opportunities in course work and in research projects so students can learn academic content by helping others. 

Student who record more than 100 hours of service during their undergraduate years are recognized at the Become that Someone Community Engagement Awards event. 

2017-18 & 2018-19 Annual Update

Videos: SFU Serves YouTube

Community-engaged (CE) courses reflect the Carnegie Foundation's tenants of community engagement...the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their large communities for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. In CE courses, students apply what they are learning in class to meet a community need, guided by their professor and collaborating with a community partner.  

Watch videos from CE courses to learn more >

SFUServes Ambassador Program pairs students with faculty who are teaching a community-engaged course or who are responsible for large community service projects. The Ambassadors earn wages, as well as gain valuable organizational and leadership skills by assisting faculty. Current Ambassadors are helping faculty with R.O.C.K., American Sign Language, and Center for Watershed Research & Service, Science Outreach Center, WWII Museum, and Institute for Energy, and the Toy Lending Library.  Interested in becoming a SFUServes Ambassador? Contact SFUServes@francis.edu.

Alternative Spring Break

Many students choose to spend their spring break serving others, both internationally and domestically.  The HUGS (Helping the Underprivileged by Giving our Service) program welcomes volunteers from all academic disciplines. Health science majors provide medical care and rehabilitation therapy in rural clinics. Spanish minors provide medical translations services. Business majors conduct a micro-lending program. Science majors restore wetlands and assist at a camp for Bahamian children. Education majors assist at a special needs school. Since 2006, HUGS volunteers have traveled to the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Jamaica,  Nicaragua, and St. Lucia.

  HUGS Application

Domestic Day Trips

During the academic year, the CCE sponsors weekend trips to Altoona, Johnstown and Pittsburgh. Students help at food pantries, the Humane Society and thrift shops. 

The University welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the community, including non-profits, schools and government agencies who have volunteer and internship needs. 

Learn more about becoming a member of the Saint Francis University Community Engaged Learning Network. Contact us at sfuserves@francis.edu.