Center for Civic Engagement (Service Learning & Volunteer Opportunities)

Service-Learning Opportunities
Students are encouraged to explore both credit-bearing and co-curricular service-learning opportunities that are tied to their academic interests and learning objectives.  Service-learning allows students to apply what they’re learning to the real world, in real time, and with real outcomes that affect the community the students are serving.  To learn more about potential projects both within and outside the classroom, contact the CCE Director (see below).

Volunteer Opportunities and Programs
In keeping with the mission and tradition of Norwich University, students, staff, and faculty engage in a variety of public service activities throughout the entire calendar year. All students and student groups are encouraged to participate in a variety of volunteer opportunities during the week (outside of their academic schedule), weekends and even during holiday breaks. In conjunction with the Student Activities Fair at the beginning of each academic year, a Volunteer Fair is held on campus, which allows the University community to learn more about volunteer activities directly by meeting representatives of local community-based organizations.

Students who wish to volunteer with a local nonprofit organization on a one-time or on-going basis are encouraged to register as an NU volunteer by contacting the CCE via email for online instruction at 4achange@norwich.edu or by visiting the Center for Civic Engagement in Wise 230. Leadership and service projects are local, national and international in scope and consist of work with the elderly, youth, homeless, hungry, and economically disadvantaged. All students are encouraged to become active volunteers as part of their college experience, with the aim of developing graduates who are "ready, not reluctant" to serve their community and nation.  Student-led service groups include:

  • NUEMS (Norwich University Emergency Medical Service)
  • Rotaract (Service Leadership team affiliated with Rotary International)
  • Buddy Up Youth Mentoring Program
  • NU Scouting Association (for all Boy Scout and Girl Scout program participants)
  • Hope (dedicated to mental health advocacy and wellness)
  • Unify (NU's Special Olympics Club)
  • Habitat for Humanity (NU's Collegiate Chapter)
  • Girls Who Code (NU's Collegiate Chapter


Additional Programs offered through the CCE include:

  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) training and certification through the Internal Revenue Service
  • The Legacy March (a fifty-mile march from Norwich to Northfield, Vermont resulting in raised funds for the Vermont Veterans' Place)
  • Civic Scholars Program
  • Community-based Work-Study

Annual volunteer events include bi-annual blood and bone marrow registration drives, the Penguin Plunge fundraiser benefiting the VT Special Olympics;  various food, book, clothing and supply drives; and annual clothing re-use programs, to include the Annual Clothing Drop 'N Swap, as well as the annual, end-of-the-year “Trash to Treasure” re-use program for unwanted, quality items donated by students leaving campus.  One-time and on-going opportunities to help organizations like the VT Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, the Northfield Veterans’ Place, Vermont Cross Trail, Mayo Health Center, Bridges After School Program, and many others take place each week!

Additionally, domestic Alternative Break volunteer trips take place over Thanksgiving and Spring Breaks, while the NU VISIONS Abroad program features international, inter-disciplinary trips during summer vacation.   In some instances, academic credit can be arranged in advance for students’ participation in these trips, but this must be initiated by the student and supported by their academic advisor.

Services that the CCE offers:

  • Free shuttle service to and from voting polls
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance to income-eligible individuals and families
  • Volunteer referrals
  • Community restitution referrals
  • Service-learning curriculum development assistance for faculty
  • Charitable giving assistance through an external fundraising account for student groups wishing to fundraise for a particular cause or organization.


Contact Information:
Office: Center for Civic Engagement, Wise Campus Center, Room 230; Phone: 802-485-2644; Email: 4achange@norwich.edu; find us on Facebook and Instagram (#NUServes)!