Office of Student Engagement

Contact Us

Name: Kanbar Campus Center

4201 Henry Avenue, Suite 301
Philadelphia, PA 19144

Contact Number(s):

Civic Engagement

Community Service Events

In addition to supporting service-learning initiatives and connecting community partners with student volunteers as projects arise, the Office of Community Service Learning sponsors various traditional community service events. Our annual events are described below. 

NSO PLUNGE!

Before classes begin, new incoming students get the opportunity to experience Philadelphia by participating in the Community Service PLUNGE! The PLUNGE! is a highlight of the New Student Orientation (NSO) program in August. START Leaders and other student leaders travel with students to sites across the city to take part in various half-day service activities, helping to better their city while making new friends in the process.

Community Service Fair

In collaboration with the Student Government Association sponsored Student Activities Fair, we invite our community partners to campus to provide the Thomas Jefferson University community an opportunity to find out about the many volunteer opportunities available throughout the city and beyond.

Alternative Spring Break

We partner with Habitat for Humanity’s Collegiate Challenge program to coordinate the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) service trip. Students apply and interview to be selected for the team starting in November and commit to fundraising leading up to the trip in March, when team members devote their spring break vacation to meaningful service and team-building.

Blood Drives

Each fall, spring, and summer, we provide students, faculty, and staff with the opportunity to donate blood to the American Red Cross on campus. Students can sign up for appointments online, giving a small part of themselves to save a life.

Relay for Life

Since 1986, Relay for Life has served as the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event. Teams of volunteers raise money through pledges and camp out on campus overnight. Each team has a representative on the track at all times throughout the night to signify the ongoing fight against cancer. Students, faculty, and staff are all welcome and encouraged to join!

PhilaU Thon

We work year-round to raise money for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Children’s Miracle Network. While the organization works hard all year, the highlight of the year is our 12-hour dance marathon where student stand for kids who can’t! The event is emotional and a whole lot of fun for an amazing cause.

MLK Day of Service

Each year we send groups of students and staff out to the local community to participate in this national day of service. We select service sites through the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service. Projects fill up quickly, so be sure to sign up as early as possible. Information on service sites is usually available at the end of the fall semester or the start of the spring semester each year.

There are always opportunities to create new service traditions! If you have an idea about sponsoring service events at University, don't hesitate to visit our office.