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Volunteerism May Become FAMU Graduation Requirement

By Jasmine Bouyer
Black College Wire

An element of community service is increasingly becoming a part of the college educational experience.

At Florida A&M University, incoming freshmen in 2002-2003 school year might have to complete 30 hours of community service per semester in order to graduate.

Student Government Association President Andre Hammel proposed the idea at the board of trustees' first meeting Sept. 6.

Hammel said student involvement was his top priority, and that prompted him to make the proposal.

"I got the idea because I had to do volunteer hours at my high school," Hammel said.

Hammel originally suggested that students perform 40 hours per semester, but later said that 30 hours would be sufficient. The proposal calls for 15 hours of community service on campus and 15 hours in the Tallahassee community.

Hammel said he plans to push the proposal for a vote during the board's retreat in Orlando in November.

Trustee Regina Benjamin, who also is the chairwoman of the Academic Affairs committee, said she, too, favors students performing community service hours to graduate.

Hammel reiterated that current students would not be affected if the proposal is passed.

Coleman, president of student activities, said that each student would be required to turn in volunteer slips every semester to prove their work. If students did not perform the minimum number of hours in one semester, they would be able to make them up throughout the summer and during breaks.

Students have mixed opinions about this proposal. "I honestly would not have time to complete 30 hours of volunteer work every semester," said Gui Bryant, a junior business administration student from Detroit.

Hammel said encouraging students to serve the community is one of his goals. "I understand that many students are involved in the community, but some are not, and this will give them that extra motivation."

Jasmine Bouyer, a student at Florida A&M University, is a reporter for The Famuan.