Community service/service learning is an integral part of the Friends University educational and extracurricular experience. The Office of Community and Residential Development offers several programs/initiatives for students interested in giving their time and talents to local, regional, national and even international causes/organizations. Activities include:

• Alternative Spring Break Trip
• CommUNITY Fest
• Salvation Army Service Day
• Week of Welcome Community Service Day
• Community service and service learning referrals
• Group service projects

Mission/Purpose
The Office of Community and Residential Development exists within the Division of Student Affairs at Friends University. We support the overall mission of the University and the Division by providing opportunities for exploration and growth in areas such as diversity, civic engagement, experiential learning and servant leadership. We are genuinely interested in helping students succeed in all areas of the college experience.

Purpose of Alternative Break Service Trips
To promote critical thinking, heighten social and cultural awareness, and advocate continued community-based service on the local, regional, national and international levels. The intensity of these experiences will increase the likelihood that participants become active citizens — transferring what they learn back to their campus community and beyond.

ASB 2010 – Reach the Peak in Colorado
This year, Brian Bollinger, the director of the Office of Community and Residential Development and Donna Fourtner, a one of the coordinators of student development, took a group of six students to Rockcleft, Colo., located near Colorado Springs. The group left on Sunday, March 14, and returned on Thursday, March 18, spending about two days doing volunteer work and one day skiing. With questions or for more information, please contact Brett McLaughlin, coordinator of Student Development, at 316-295-5508 or brett_mclaughlin@friends.edu.

CommUNITY Fest
CommUNITY Fest is a Week of Welcome event that features on-campus clubs and organizations, as well as businesses and social/community service organizations in the Wichita area. It is our hope that participation in this program will accomplish the following goals:

• Generate student interest and participation in campus and community organizations
• Create an overall awareness of the services each organization provides
• Promote civic engagement and social responsibility within the student body
• Help organizations build positive relationships with faculty, staff and students

Organizations interested in attending the 2010 event should call the Office of Community and Residential Development at 316-295-5500.

Salvation Army Service Day
Each year since 1992, Friends University closes its campus and sends its faculty and staff, along with several students, to serve at the Salvation Army. The University assists the charity group with Christmas preparations, sorting children’s gifts, assembling bikes and decorating the facility.

“This has become an annual tradition that we look forward to each year,” said Dr. Biff Green, Friends University president. “We enjoy giving something back to the community during the Christmas season, and it is amazing to see the difference we can make in one day.”

The 2010 Salvation Army Service Day will tentatively take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13.

Week of Welcome Community Service Day
WOW Community Service Day is a tradition that helps introduce new members of the University community to our culture of volunteerism. Each fall, the Division of Student Affairs coordinates a day of service in which students, faculty, staff, alumni and administration can participate. Projects vary from year to year. Check out the information below to see what projects we have done in the past!

• 2009 – At Your Service More than 300 incoming freshman and transfer students met in the Casado Campus Center Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, and traveled by bus to three service sites. One group traveled to Camp Hiawatha where they helped clear weeds and remove fences. Another group went to the Kansas Food Bank and placed food in sacks for the Backpack for Kids program. The final, and largest, group headed to the Lord's Diner where they packaged the Diner's annual mailing in record time. As always, transportation, a T-shirt and snacks were provided to all participants free of charge.
• 2010 – You've Been Served All incoming freshmen and transfer students will meet in the Casado Campus Center at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 23, 2010, and travel to Camp Tawakoni in Augusta, Kan. The group will help camp staff paint classrooms, do yard work and build benches and a prayer trail, among other tasks. Afterward, the group will return to Friends for a wrap-up presentation by the University president. Transportation, a T-shirt and snacks will be provided to all participants free of charge.

Community Service
To learn more about volunteering in the Wichita, KS area, click here.

Contact Us

Brett McLaughlin, coordinator of Student Development, at 316-295-5508 or brett_mclaughlin@friends.edu

Donna Fourtner, coordinator of Student Development, at 316-295-5224 or donna_fourtner@friends.edu

Office of Community and Residential Development
2100 W. University Ave.
Wichita, KS 67213