CACC Programs » Students In Service » Site Supervisor FAQ
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Site Supervisor Frequently Asked Questions
- How does my agency or organization benefit from hosting an AmeriCorps Member?
- Can this program partner with Work-Study?
- What is the time commitment to serve as a Site Supervisor?
- Can I serve as a Site Supervisor for multiple people?
- Can a Member’s position be paid?
- Who is responsible for sending in completed paperwork?
- What if there is a concern with the quality or nature of the Member’s service activities?
- Is serving in a soup kitchen located in a church considered a “prohibited activity”?
- Can documents be faxed?
- What do I do if I am no longer able to serve as a Site Supervisor?
- What happens if I don’t sign the Member’s documents?
- Will AmeriCorps or Campus Compact staff visit my site?
- What is a “Great Story”?
- Are there additional resources I can consult?
How does my agency or organization benefit from hosting an AmeriCorps Member?
The benefits of sponsoring an AmeriCorps Member are numerous:
- Access to a committed volunteer who can serve at your agency for a given period of time.
- Ability to collaborate with a volunteer to identify a community need and outline steps to address community issues.
- Fostering a deeper relationship between community organizations and college/university resources.
- Opportunity to serve as a personal and professional mentor to a higher education student.
- Development of programs or sustainability measures by an AmeriCorps Member for your agency or organization.
- Direct connection to the national service movement and support of national service initiatives.
Can this program partner with Work-Study?
Yes! Students who hold Federal/State-funded Work Study service-related positions may also apply to Students in Service. Work Study positions are the only paid positions eligible for participation. Students who have a service-related, non-paid internship, may also be eligible to participate.
What is the time commitment to serve as a Site Supervisor?
The AmeriCorps process blends nicely with many steps traditionally taken during an orientation process for any new volunteer. There are some primary forms to complete with the Member that take about 30-60 minutes to complete. Once the Member has been enrolled, the actual additional Students in Service time is minimal. Throughout a Members service you, as the Site Supervisor, will sign monthly Time Logs. You will also complete a Site Supervisor Evaluation form at the end of your Member’s term.
Can I serve as a Site Supervisor for multiple people?
Yes! You may choose to serve as a Site Supervisor for multiple AmeriCorps Members. We encourage Members to select a supervisor who is in direct contact with their day-to-day activities – someone who really can mentor and advise them in their service experience.
Can a Member’s position be paid?
The ONLY paid positions a Member can count hours for a job and for Students in Service are Federal/State-funded Work Study service-related positions. All other service must be non-paid (including internships, academic course-related service, and general volunteer service).
Who is responsible for sending in completed paperwork?
Ultimately, the Member is responsible for completing, securing appropriate signatures, and sending program-related paperwork to the respective Campus Compact office. As a Site Supervisor, you have agreed to assist the Member in completing tasks that require your participation, collaboration and approval/verification signature.
What if there is a concern with the quality or nature of the Member’s service activities?
While we encourage Site Supervisors to work directly with Members to outline responsibilities and expectations, Site Supervisors can directly contact the state Campus Compact office, or the local Campus Partner for additional support. Campus Partner contact information is located at www.studentsinservice.org/contact.html.
Is serving in a soup kitchen located in a church considered a “prohibited activity”?
To determine whether or not an activity is prohibited, a Site Supervisor and Member should consider first the type of the activity, and secondly the location. If a Member is serving food in a soup kitchen that happens to be in a church, that activity in and of itself is absolutely appropriate. Students in Service encourages partnering with faith-based organizations. However, if a Member is expected, as part of the soup kitchen experience, to discuss or promote the particular ideology or mission of the hosting religious organization, that would be an example of an unacceptable direct service activity. This may be a helpful example in determining prohibited activities.
Can documents be faxed?
Yes – documents can be faxed to the respective Campus Compact office. If a deadline is near, a Member may fax documents, but will eventually need to send the original document with original signatures. If the member is unable to fax, s/he should simply call the state Campus Compact office to notify the Program Director/Administrator that his/her paperwork will be late.
What do I do if I am no longer able to serve as a Site Supervisor?
We encourage you to communicate with your Member regarding your role as a Site Supervisor. Should you find you are unable to serve in this capacity, the Member is required to identify a new Site Supervisor. Please give your Member as much notice as possible if you are unable to continue in this role.
What happens if I don’t sign the Member’s documents?
The Member is ultimately responsible for making sure all of their documents are signed and approved, and completed by program deadlines. Incomplete or late documents may place the Member’s status with AmeriCorps in jeopardy. The Campus Compact staff monitors paperwork to make sure it’s complete and signed by the correct people. Although it is rare that a Member would forge information, we do monitor those details. Should a concern arise with a Member’s documents, we first work directly with the Member, but in some cases, may contact you directly.
Will AmeriCorps or Campus Compact staff visit my site?
Throughout the year, the Students in Service staff have an interest in visiting sites around the state to provide a more personal touch to the program and make connections with Members and community agencies. While Students in Service staff may not personally visit every site (there are hundreds!), if we are able to schedule a visit, we do hope you will consider our invitations to share your agency and experiences with our program. The Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS) also conducts yearly site visits to each state Campus Compact office. During a site visit, CNCS will visit one college or university and review program administration. CNCS staff also feels strongly about making a connection in the community and invite direct feedback about program experience from Members and community partners. Again, while CNCS may not visit each community, if your site is selected, you are asked to consider sharing your experiences.
What is a “Great Story”?
A significant component of any service-learning program is the element of reflection. Participants must have an opportunity to consider their experiences, and reflect upon the meaning of those experiences. The experiential learning process is a valuable component to Students in Service. Two times per year, Members are asked to submit a Great Story as part of their participation in the program. This story is a reflection piece about a positive experience that occurred at their service site and/or about their service with a client.
A “Great Story” not only serves the AmeriCorps Member it may serve your agency. You might feel rejuvenated after reading about the wonderful learning experiences of your AmeriCorps Member. You may want to publish the story for your staff, in an agency newsletter, or for the Board of Directors. In the past, Members serving in the most challenging of circumstances have been inspired after engaging in reflection. We hope you can share in the positive outcomes of service!
Are there additional resources I can consult?
Aside from the Students in Service website, you can also contact your state’s Campus Compact office for additional training and technical assistance.