Volunteering
The Honors College endeavors to provide for its students an enriched educational and social experience that leads to lifelong learning and personal growth as well as professional success. Our program encourages participation in community volunteer activities, thus promoting the development of service, one of the three attributes most desired in outstanding Honors students (scholarship, leadership, and service). Typically, the volunteer events/projects give students the opportunity to learn and develop leadership skills and gain experience in social and civic involvement.
Why should I volunteer?
Volunteering provides a means to impact the community in a positive and meaningful way. Volunteer service allows students to work with people from different backgrounds and majors while enabling them to gain valuable life experience, skills, and hands-on learning. Also, it helps students give back to society, explore personal issues, and even have fun!
Additionally, Honors College students are offered early registration before any other group of students on campus. In order to be eligible for early registration, students must complete 10 volunteer hours per semester.
What activities count as volunteering?
Any activity that benefits a non-profit agency, civic organization, or local community. The student/volunteer shall not receive monetary payment for the service, but will usually receive personal gratification and a sense of worthy accomplishment.
View our volunteer opportunities and contact a representative of your choice through the provided contact information. Most times you will be provided with a phone number and an email. If you contact through the phone, be prepared to state your name, what times you are available, and the reason why you are volunteering. In an email, you should provide the same information. Make sure you are friendly!
Volunteer Commitments
Before you commit to an activity, ask yourself these questions:
- How much time do I have to commit?
- Which talents or skills do I have to offer?
- Do I want to work alone or in a group?
- What would I most like to learn?
- Do I want an ongoing assignment or a short-term assignment?
Volunteer Requirements
The Honors College requires ten volunteer hours each semester in order for students to qualify for early registration. Students may participate in service projects either on or off campus, or in their home communities.
Verification Procedure
Students must submit an Honors College Volunteer Hours Form with at least 10 hours of service to the Honors Blackboard by the deadline. Forms require a signature from the volunteer supervisor, and a signature from the student acknowledging the legitimacy of the service. Our office staff will contact service supervisors to verify that the service was completed when necessary.
It is the responsibility of the student to submit their Volunteer Hours Form before the deadline in order to be eligible for advance registration. No exceptions will be made. Forms submitted during one semester will be applied to early registration during the following semester. For example, forms submitted during the fall 2025 semester will be reviewed to qualify students for early registration during the spring 2026 semester for their fall 2026 courses. Incoming students are grandfathered in and allowed advance registration during their first semester as a current SHSU Honors student. During their first semester, students are expected to submit a completed Volunteer Hours Form in order to be eligible for early registration during their second semester as a current SHSU Honors student.
For more information, contact the Honors College Office via phone at 936-294-1477 or via email at honors@shsu.edu.
The Elliott T. Bowers Honors College
1921 Ave J, Academic Building IV Suite 202, Huntsville, Texas 77340
Phone: (936).294.1477 | Email: honors@shsu.edu