Log of Activities

Service Hours

  • Can I include time spent in planning meetings and preparing for service activities toward my 40 hour requirement?

Only time spent in direct service activities will count toward fulfilling the 40 hour minimum requirement.  Direct service includes the actual service activities (such as seeing a patient in the clinic, teaching a health lesson, mentoring a student, gardening) or time spent collaborating directly with community members to assess needs and guide effective program development and evaluation (meetings, focus groups, focus groups).

However, in addition to these direct service experiences, it is expected that you will spend additional time in indirect service activities that will be essential to the successful implementation of your project. This includes time spent preparing for the service activities (such as meeting with classmates to divide tasks, reviewing relevant literature, preparing educational materials, training peers, practicing for a presentation). Time spent writing reflection essays, logging service activities, and documenting the project report will also be considered indirect service hours. These indirect service hours will not be counted toward the minimum 40 hour requirement, but they are an important part of your involvement with your project.

We do advise you to keep a running log of all activities related to your service project.  You should update this log regularly and upload it to the RedCap system at least once per semester. Although only the direct service hours will contribute toward fulfilling the 40 hour CESL requirement, the total service hours (direct + indirect) you spent in dedication toward your projects should be included in your Curriculum Vitae (CV).


Sample Service Activity Log

CESL Project: Men’s Health Lessons

Date

Service Activity Direct Hours Indirect Hours
10/10/15 Meeting with community partner to discuss goals 1 hour 30 min  
10/12/15 Interest meeting with NJMS students to discuss plans for the project -- 1 hour
10/20/15 Preparation for service event (literature review, educational materials, email reminders) -- 3 hours
10/25/15 Health Fair at local community center including lessons on men’s health and BP screenings 4 hours --
10/26/15 Follow up email to thank students involved and community partner -- 30 min

Direct Service Hours: 5 hours, 30 min (will count toward CESL requirement)
Total Direct + Indirect Service Hours: 10 hours (will be written on your CV)

  • Do I need to fulfill all 40 hours in a single community service project?

You may split your CESL requirement into 2 separate projects. You can use any combination of hours split between the two projects to meet your requirement (ie 20+20, 30+10, etc). Each service project would require you to submit a pre-reflection, and post-reflection, as well as a proposal if applicable.

  • Can I fulfill more than 40 hours of service for my project(s)?

Absolutely. Community service has been a fundamental part of student life at NJMS for many years. We anticipate that many students will participate in service projects well beyond their 40 hour minimum requirement.

  • Will students who participate in more than the minimum 40 hour requirement receive any award or recognition?

Students who demonstrate exemplary dedication to their service projects will be recognized in several ways. Students will be encouraged to pursue scholarly publication of their service projects and prepare a poster to present at an annual symposium at NJMS.   In addition, students who go above and beyond the CESL requirements will have it noted in their Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) Dean’s Letter when applying for residencies.