Frequently Asked Questions

Who runs this gig?
The SNHU Global Days of Service (GDS) movement is a joint initiative of departments across the university, led by the Office of Institutional Advancement's Alumni Engagement Team, The Chandler Center and the Office of Student Involvement, with special shout outs to Community Engagement, The People Team, External Affairs and Communications, Marketing and many passionate, service-oriented individuals.

But to tell you the truth, it's the volunteer project leaders who are really doing the heavy lifting as they lead teams of SNHU students, alumni, faculty, staff, family and friends to make a huge impact where it matters.

What do you consider service?
From volunteering at a homeless shelter to caring for a disabled neighbor’s pet to donating blood, if you think it might be service, it probably is. Visit the About section for more specific examples of service.

May children participate?
That's generally up to each specific organization. If you're serving with one of the official SNHU GDS service sites, age restrictions will be listed on the project page. If you're volunteering on your own, check with the organization you're serving.

I want to organize an official service site. What do I need to do?
Great! We love hearing from eager volunteers. Please review the SNHU Global Days of Service Site Leader page, submit your project details and we'll be in touch.

Are funds available for my project?
GDS projects are organized by volunteers. Please note we're not able to fund supplies or sponsorship fees for service projects. We encourage interested site leaders to identify projects for which the only investment is time and service. Project leaders are welcome to personally fund necessary supplies if they wish.

How do I get some super cool SNHU swag?
All registered volunteers at official SNHU GDS service sites will be receiving some special SNHU swag that looks really great in group photos (hint, hint ... hashtag #ServeWithSNHU).  

Do I need to fill out a waiver or anything?
Yes. You'll need to fill out the SNHU Global Days of Service Volunteer Waiver. We encourage you to complete this prior to your project date to expedite the check-in process. If the organization you're serving has their own waiver, we'll include their info in your registration confirmation email. Your site leader will remind you to complete it prior to your project.

What if I’m busy on the day of my local event?
We're considering every day in March and April a day of service. We encourage you join the movement by volunteering on your own for any organization you're passionate about. Then let us know how many hours you served to add your service hours to our SNHU community collective total.

Service sites in my area are full. What should I do?
Email us to let us know you’re interested and can't find a project -- or pick an organization that’s meaningful to you and do your own thing. Work solo or rally a group of local SNHU alumni, students, faculty and friends via SNHU Alumni social media.

I don’t see sites in my area listed. How do I participate?
Our hope is to expand this effort and engage more site leaders across the globe. Perhaps you could lead a project to bring together SNHU community members near you! If that's not your thing, you can independently volunteer at a local organization that’s meaningful to you. If you've volunteered on your own, make sure to share your story -- we'd love to hear from you!

What if I have specific accessibility needs?
Please contact us at alumni@snhu.edu or 603.645.9799 so we can confirm with any official SNHU Global Days of Service project sites that they can meet your needs. 

Why do I need to register?
By keeping an eye on the number of SNHU community members who want to participate, we can estimate resources needed for each official SNHU GDS site -- and we can determine when new cities and sites need to be added. Plus, whether you’re striking out on your own or participating at a designated site, evidence of your support and interest keeps us pumped up with creative ideas for serving those in need!

How can I share my story?
So glad you asked! You can complete the Share My Story form. Or share your experience on social media using the hashtag #ServeWithSNHU. Give your cause a shout-out, recruit fellow Penmen to join the effort or tag @SNHUalumni on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter when you post photos from your project. Upload your photos to our Google album, and you and your cause could be featured throughout the SNHU Global Days of Service movement. Or join the conversation in the Serve With SNHU Facebook group.

Are there photos taken at the events?
We highly encourage our volunteers to have fun with photos -- take silly selfies, share your photos and tag the organizations you're working so hard for. Many volunteers choose to add their images to our shared Google album, which we use to create an album on Facebook and feature on other social media sites. Keep an eye out, and feel free to tag and share!

I'm an SNHU staff member. Can I use my VTO for Global Days of Service?
Yes, the SNHU Volunteer Time Off program affords employees the opportunity to become involved in non-profit charitable organizations, lending their voluntary support to programs that positively impact the quality of life within communities. Global Days of Service is just one of many ways VTO is utilized during your scheduled workweek. Learn more about VTO in the employee handbook. Additional VTO-related questions can be submitted to HR4U@snhu.edu.

Still have questions?
Contact us! We'd be happy to answer your questions.