Register to Volunteer

RSSW 190- 1 Credit, S/U Graded
35 hours of community service, a learning contract, and reflective activities and the completion of 4 forms. A permission number is required to register for the course.

RSSW 291- 2 Credits, S/U Graded
60 hours of community service, a learning contract, a media reflection, a media project and the completion of 4 forms. A permission number is required to register for the course.

RSSW 290- 3 Credits, S/U Graded
100 hours of community service, a learning contract, 6 reflective journal assignments, and completion of 4 forms. A permission number is required to register for the course.

RSSW 390- 3 Credits, A-E Graded
100 hours of community service, an introduction on Brightspace, a learning contract, selected readings, completion of three Brightspace activities, completion of 4 forms and an advanced critical essay commensurate with an upper-division course. A permission number is required to register for the course. (Prerequisite(s): RSSW 290 or RSSW 291)

• If you know what nonprofit or public organization you will volunteer with you just need to submit your completed student information form and supervisor permission form to receive a permission number to add the class.
• If you don't know where you want to volunteer, meet with our staff to discuss prospective opportunities. Learn about local organizations currently accepting volunteers. We can also assist you in developing a service experience in your home community.
• Organizations must be non-profit or public and registered as a partner with CPSP before a student can receive a class permission number. Organizations can register with CPSP by completing a New Organization Application.

Contact the organization you wish to volunteer at to set up a meeting. At that meeting, you will need to have your supervisor at that organization sign and complete the Permission Form. Student completes the Student Information Form and signs the Student Integrity Declaration. Return it to our office in SS112 to be issued a permission number to add the class.

Registration forms (Can be picked up in SS112 on the door)

Supervisor Permission Form (Front of Form)
Supervisor Completes to allow student to volunteer at their organization

Student Information/Student Integrity Declaration Form (Back of form)
Student completes

Add the class on MyUAlbany as you would any other class.

Once you've found the organization that you want to volunteer at, contact them, set up an appointment to meet with them.  

Pick up the registration packet in SS112 or download and print it .  Have the person that will be supervising you at the organization, complete the Supervisor Permission portion of the registration form.  

You complete the Student Information Form and the Student Integrity Declaration.  

Bring this completed registration form to our office to obtain the permission number for instructor's permission to add the class.

There are four courses that qualify for credits in the Community and Public Service Program.

Three credits are given for RSSW 290 and RSSW 390, two credits for RSSW 291, one credit for RSSW 190. RSSW 190, RSSW 290 and RSSW 291 are graded S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory).

RSSW390 is graded A-E. The courses are electives in all majors. RSSW 190/RSSW 290/RSSW 291/RSSW 390 Cannot be taken twice.

Yes, all four courses are available to students in any academic concentration or major. To be eligible to take RSSW 390 you must first complete either RSSW 290 or RSSW 291.

RSSW courses are open to all undergraduates. RSSW390 has two prerequisites - RSSW 290 or RSSW 291. EACH COURSE CAN ONLY BE TAKEN ONCE. RSSW 190 is not one of the prerequisites to RSSW 390.

The RSSW 190, 291, 290 are (S/U) courses and per the Registrar's Office does not affect your GPA.

If you fail to complete all course assignments including all required hours, you will receive an Unsatisfactory (U) grade and no course credit will be earned.  

RSSW 390 is graded A-E and it will affect your GPA.

Students generally complete their volunteer hours for an entire course in one organization.

Occasionally, situations arise where this is not feasible.  Cases are dealt with individually.  

Students or supervisors should contact CPSP staff as early as possible should a concern regarding placement arise.

No.  If you feel that your student organization is not providing enough community service hours.  Come talk to the CPSP staff first.

You will be allowed to find a community organization that you can add.  CPSP staff can direct you to community organizations that will be able to offer you volunteer service.

No.  All RSSW hours must be approved by the CPSP.

A student must make sure their service is on record or permitted by the CPSP.  
One organization is allowed unless the CPSP office gives permission to allow another.

No. Service hours to fulfill the RSSW course requirements cannot be paid.  

If you are or become a paid staff member at your organization you must have a plan in place with your supervisor to ensure the separation of volunteer service and paid service.

Normally when an organization agrees to sponsor a volunteer it is with a commitment to provide enough opportunities to fulfill their commitment.

On the rare occasion that an organization cannot offer enough opportunities, please let us know.  We will help you develop a plan to fulfill their commitment. 

There may be a couple of reasons your permission number is not working.

• You may be exceeding 19 credits for that semester.  If so, you will need to go to the undergraduate dean's office to request permission to exceed 19 credits. Once you've been approved, you will then be able to add the class. 
• You may have a hold on your account. Once the hold is removed you will be able to add the class.

If either of the above are not the case, you should come to the CPSP office.  We will issue you a new permission number and work with you to resolve the late add problem.

You must complete all assignments and all hours to pass these courses.  

If there are circumstances preventing you from completion of the requirements, you should contact the CPSP Director, Sheri Stevens to request an Incomplete.