Frequently Asked Questions:

Will I need documentation to prove that I completed outside service?
What if the person in charge refuses to sign?
Who do I contact to have my service points recorded?
Is there a way that I can check my point status during the school year?
Will a drawing based on highest activity still occur twice a year?
Do charitable activities that I do with other groups count as 'outside service' ?
Can I redeem myself if I fail to earn six points during a semester?
Can I complete two approved outside service activities?
Is there a quick summary about how to attain service points? Question

= recommended for review
Question #1: Will I need documentation to prove that I completed outside service?
  • Yes - as in a standardized memo?
  • Yes - as in a basic note?
  • No?
    • Answer -- Yes, some form of documentation will be required. Without it, there's no proof. NSCS prefers a standardized     memo, but handwritten notes with a legible signature will be accepted as well.

    ** The person who signs the note cannot be you! It should be an official who witnessed, supervised, or is certain of your participation.**

    Question #2: What if the person in charge refuses to sign?
  • Do nothing?
  • Obtain another form of proof?
  • Complain to someone?
    • Answer -- If a person in charge refuses to sign the memo, which might be the case sometimes, try to obtain another form of proof. In the case of donating blood, you can use the sheet of paper that states the label assigned to your pint of blood and the date you can donate again.

    Question #3: Who do I contact to have my service points recorded?
  • Vice President of Community Service?
  • The Secretary?
  • The Executive Vice President?
    • Answer -- Although the Vice President of Community Service approves outside service activites, NSCS members must report their completed activity service to the Secretary. Please do not rely on the Vice President of Community Service.
    Question #4: Is there a way that I can check my point status during the school year?
  • Yes, e-mail the Secretary?
  • Ask during a meeting?
  • Nope?
    • Answer -- You can ask the Secretary at the beginning or end of a meeting, or send her an e-mail. Right now, making points available for review is a future goal of mine. Perhaps by next Spring, it will be accessible from this website.
    Question #5: Will a drawing based on highest activity still occur twice a year?
  • Yes?
  • No?
  • It depends?
    • Answer -- Yes, there will be a drawing at the end of the semester and members with the highest numbers of points have better odds of winning prizes than others. The semi-annual drawing is a tradition new officers will uphold. We think it's good incentive for everyone. Last year, the biggest prizes included a $50 gift card to the MD Book Exchange & the Olive Garden, and an iPod nano. Small prizes are awarded as well.
    Question #6: Do charitable activities that I do with other groups count as 'outside service'?
  • Yes?
  • No?
  • It Depends?
    • Answer -- It depends. Under most circumstances, what you do with other groups will classify as outside service, BUT -- be sure to seek verification beforehand. E-mail the Vice President of Community Service. He/She is responsible for approving service activities. Depending on the outside service activity, it may be worth between 1 - 3 points based on the Vice President of Community Service's approval.
    Question #7: Can I redeem myself if I fail to earn six points during a semester?
  • Yes?
  • No?
  • Perhaps?
    • Answer -- I'd say perhaps. If you seek out an officer soon after you realize the problem has developed, there's hope for you. However, if you don't contact anyone and ignore the problem for a long time, do not expect any sympathy.
    Question #8: Can I complete two approved outside service activities?
  • Of course
  • No
  • I'll have to look into my crystal ball...
    • Answer -- Of course you can! However, keep in mind that you would still have to get your two memos - one for each activity - to the Secretary. If dropping them off can easily be done at the start of a meeting, go for that. Otherwise, ask the Secretary via e-mail when you could hand it to him/her personally.
    Question #9: Is there a quick summary about how to attain service points?
  • Doesn't exist?
  • Assume you know the system?
  • Yes?

    • Answer -- Yes,
    First, members are encouraged to earn a minimum six points a semester, with an attendance of (at least) two General Body meetings and three points coming from outside community service.
    Secondly, some form of proof must be provided for the outside community service (i.e. a     memo) so the secretary can be sure of your service.

    To see possible ways to earn six points per semester check the Path to Success.