How the Program Works

Participation in the program is voluntary.  We have a database to allow students and staff to record volunteer efforts.  At graduation, students who have recorded volunteer contributions during their academic tenure at the levels indicated below, are recognized before their classmates, faculty, family, and friends.  A separate program exists for UHLC academic and support staff. 

Each participant is responsible for creating their personal database identity and recording their activities. Requirements are the same for Evening and Day students.

Student Recognition Levels

Administrative/Faculty/Staff Levels

• Gold Level – Greater than 500 hours
• Platinum Level – Greater than 750 hours
• Diamond Level – Greater than 1,000 hours
• Mother Teresa – Greater than 1,500 hours

Eligible activities

Volunteer activities may include a wide range of activities, both law-related and general community service.  For example, one might spend the day cleaning a neighborhood park, working at a shelter, participating on the board of a non-profit organization, or assisting legal aid attorneys, etc.  However, volunteer work excluded from consideration for recognition includes the following:

• Certain Work for Faith-Based Organizations.  Volunteering in a service role (such as serving food or caring for children) would count.  Working in an evangelical role does not (such as teaching the tenets of your faith).   Keep in mind that we are all walking a fine line here in regards to the public perception of this state supported school.  Everyone is encouraged to use their best judgment (as opposed to their own self-interest) in determining what causes are appropriate for documentation.
• Work for Credit or Other Recognition.  Work for which the participant receives academic credit or resume recognition, or work that benefits a UH or UHLC campus organization, such as volunteering with fundraising or being an officer in a student organization would not count.  Certainly volunteering to organize a blood drive or participating in The People’s Law School would count.  However, hours spent serving as a journal editor (even if doing so without enrolling for credit) or participating in student competitions such as the Newhouse Mediation Competition would not be considered service.
• Work that benefits the Law Center Community. This program encourages and recognizes service to those outside the Law Center community. Coordination of a blood drive, even one held on our campus, results in a benefit for the external community and such service should be recognized.  However, being a student ambassador, student mentor, Gala Volunteer, or performing other services benefiting the Law Center or members of our community is not eligible for recognition under this program.
• Work for which the participant is paid, receives a fellowship, or stipend would not count.
  

Please note that the UHLC Honor Code applies to all information in the program.