For several years California State University, Bakersfield has edged toward a university-wide requirement for community service. Universities in Arizona and Oregon, and sister CSU campuses with such requirements have been studied carefully. During the1996-97 revision of the campus Mission and Goal Statement, one of the most intensely examined issues was whether to establish such a requirement as a goal that the University would commit itself to accomplish during the next five years.

After much thought and discussion, CSUB decided against the immediate imposition of this requirement. The reasons are, simply, that first, virtually all CSUB students are commuters and work 30+ hours a week. To add a community service requirement on top of their other academic and personal responsibilities seemed unrealistic. Second, even if the University wanted to require a community service experience, the campus lacked the staff and resources to provide such an opportunity. Finally, faculty needed additional training time and orientation to properly supervise the students in such placements. The faculty had not worked out how community service could best fit into the curriculum and be made meaningful for students. The CSUB Academic Senate’s advice was to proceed carefully. The President and deans have taken this advice to heart, although we are still determined to move forward.

Contact person: Krista Buckner, Director of Community Service Programs, kbuckner {at} csubak(.)edu