Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do I sign up for Community and Public Service?

Answer: You must come to the CPSP office and select an affiliated agency from the agency directory, or from the CPSP Web site. You must get the agency to fill out an official permission form. Return the permission form to the CPSP office and then you will be given a class permission number to register with the University as you would with any other course.

Question: My class permission number is not working, what can I do?

Answer: Be sure you have followed the following directions

• Open your MyUAlbany account and click on add/enroll.

• Add the course number through the add/enroll web page.

• Once you see the "Errors Found" message on the right side of the page, click on the link of the actual course number, e.g.. RSSW 290

• A new screen will open where you enter the permission number. Enter the number and submit the page; you will then be taken back to the previous web page with the "Errors Found" link.

• CLICK SUBMIT ONCE MORE and then a "SUCCESSFUL" message should replace "Errors Found".

Question: How many credits and what type of credits are available?

Answer: There are three courses that qualify for credits in the Community and Public Service Program. Three credits are given for RSSW 290 and RSSW 390, and two credits for RSSW 291. All three courses are graded S(atisfactory)/U(nsatisfactory). The courses are electives in all majors.

Question: I'm a biology major, can I take RSSW 290, 291 or 390?

A. Yes, all three courses are available to students in any academic concentration or major.

Question: When can I take RSSW 290, 291 or 390?

A. Second semester freshmen may enroll for RSSW 291. Students who are sophomores, juniors, or seniors can enroll for any of the three courses offered. EACH COURSE MAY BE TAKEN ONE TIME.

Question: Can I take RSSW 390 before RSSW 290 or take both at once?

Answer: RSSW 290 is the first semester when you complete 100 hours, it is a prerequisite for RSSW 390 so must be taken in a different semester.. You may take RSSW 291 while you are taking either RSSW 290 or RSSW 390 or after you have taken either or both of the three credit courses.

Question: Can I skip the CPSP orientation, or if I missed all of the scheduled orientations, what can I do?

Answer: You must attend an official CPSP orientation each semester that you participate in community service. If you cannot attend one of the scheduled orientations in the Social Sciences building, check with the CPSP office to make alternative arrangements.

Question: Can I get an incomplete?

Answer: Ms. Machold reviews incompletes for students who have:

1. Contacted the office to request their incomplete before the end of the semester, and

2. Submitted a plan in writing for completing the course requirements. The outline for this plan is under Required Assignments.

 

Answer: No, not usually. Choose your agency carefully. If there is a problem with the agency, contact the CPSP office as soon as possible. Remember, once you have gotten your permission form signed at an agency, they are counting on you to be there.

Question: Can I work for money at my agency?

Answer: No, not if you are getting Community and Public Service credits for volunteering.

Question: I understand 100 hours of volunteer work is necessary for RSSW 290. I was wondering if that could be done over the winter intercession while I am home.

Answer: Check out our Web site for details of the course [Getting Started]. The URL is http://www.albany.edu/cpsp

It is possible for you to work in your home community during winter and summer intercessions.

The agency has to be approved before you start your hours. You would need to get a contact name and number to me and I can send the paperwork that needs to be completed by the agency to get approved. You might look at the list of agencies on our site to get an idea of the kind of agencies that would qualify. They MUST BE either not-for-profit or public (governmental) to qualify.

I'm concerned about your getting 100 hours in during winter intercession since that requires 20 - 25 hours per week, depending on when you get started. However, since it will appear on your schedule as a spring course, you could also complete your hours during spring break if you aren't going away.

Also, there is a 2 credit course RSSW 291 that requires 60 hours. This is more often the course that students take when they are completing their hours in their home community during winter intercession

Question: I would like to take RSSW 290. Please send me a SKN so I can register.

Answer: I am glad to hear of your interest in RSSW 290.

In order to get an SKN for the course, you need to have a signed permission form from the agency where you will be doing your community service.

There are over 450 such agencies listed on our Web site. You will need to call the contact name (telephone number is on the site) and go to meet with that person to get a permission form signed. (The form is on our Web site, and available in our office in Social Sciences 112).

There is a search within our site (available on the Agency List page). You can put in marketing, history, business, etc. and see the possibilities.

Our course only closes when there is not enough time left for you to complete your volunteer hours. You will be able to add this when drop/add begins or as a late add. The latter will cost you a $15 late add fee.

Question: How will this course change my GPA?

Answer: You will receive graduation credits for the course, but it will not change your GPA