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Senior Requirements

As the culminating year of the Christian Service Program, seniors may serve with any agency approved for freshmen, sophomores, or juniors, or with any nonprofit organization whose mission serves the common good.

Seniors are encouraged to commit to a single agency whenever possible, allowing them to develop deeper relationships, gain a fuller understanding of the organization's mission, and make a more meaningful contribution to the community they serve. Through sustained service and reflection, seniors are invited to integrate the lessons of the Christian Service Program, recognize the dignity of every person, and consider how service, justice, and compassion may continue to shape their lives beyond Bellarmine.

Students are expected to complete all service with nonprofit organizations and to submit a Senior Reflection Paper as part of the graduation requirement.

Service Requirements & Deadlines

  • Total Required: 30 hours

  • Approved Timeframe: May 23, 2026 – April 7, 2027

  • Mid-Year Deadline: 15 hours due by December 2, 2026

  • Final Deadline: All 30 hours due by April 7, 2027

  • Timing: Hours must be completed outside of school hours (after school, weekends, evenings, or breaks)

  • Penalty:

    • Missing half the hours by December 2 means ineligibility for second-semester immersion trips

    • Missing the full requirement by April 7 results in a Saturday JUG, loss of Senior Ball privileges, no diploma at graduation, and “no credit” on final transcript
       

  • Daily Limit: Maximum 10 hours of service credit per day

Reflection Paper

  • Requirement: 3–5 pages (minimum 1100 words), typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt font, 1-inch margins

  • Submission: Must be completed after finishing all service hours, submitted via x2VOL and Canvas

  • Content Prompts: (Do not list prompts in paper)

    1. Identify your placement and describe what you did. If you worked at more than one placement, pick the one that was most significant for you. What did you like most / least? What skills (e.g. patience, compassion, etc.) were required of you in working at your placement? Would you recommend it to others?
    2. Describe your feelings towards the clients, both before you began and after you finished your service. What do you share in common with the clients that you served?
    3. Did you have any preconceived notions of the population you served? What did you learn about them?
    4. What did you learn about yourself?
    5. Explain your reasons for feeling that you successfully or unsuccessfully fulfilled your community service.
    6. How has Bellarmine (programs, teachers, classes) contributed to your understanding of community service?
    7. Assume your work at this agency has ended. Write a note/letter of advice to a Bellarmine student who will replace you.
    8. How has your service work changed you? How has it affected your view of and/or connection to others; your outlook in serving others; your short term and/or long term commitment to engaging in service?

Verification of Hours

Hours must be verified to be approved. Family members cannot verify hours. Verification options:

Electronic (via x2VOL)

Accepted if the supervisor:

  • Works for an approved agency

  • OR has a .org, .gov, or .edu email

Steps:

  1. Confirm the supervisor will verify electronically.

  2. Log hours the same day in x2VOL.

  3. Enter supervisor’s email.

  4. Ask the supervisor to respond within 24 hours.

No timecard needed if verification is completed via x2VOL.

Paper (Timecard)

  • Use yellow CSP timecards (available in the SLC Lobby bookshelf or link below)

  • Must be completed in ink

  • Signed by a non-relative adult supervisor

  • Alternatively, submit a signed letter on agency letterhead or a copy of the agency sign-in sheet

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