community

service
e-guidebook

Centre for
Social Responsibility
(for AY 2024 cohort)
30-05-24
“I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. I think
the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be
compassionate. It is, above all to matter, to count,
to stand for something, to have made some difference
that you lived at all.”
Leo Rosten
American writer, political scientist, teacher and humourist

CENTRE FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (C4SR)

C4SR oversees the Community Service initiatives of SMU students, and guides and mentors you
to undertake projects that are meaningful and sustainable. The Centre also provides insights into
best practices in community engagement and social responsibility initiatives.

You can email to commsvcs@[Link] for any queries on Community Service. Please refer
also to Part 8 for contact details of the C4SR staff.

CONTENTS

Part 1. Community Service and You 02

Part 2. Starting Your Community Service 03

Part 3. Selection of Learning Objectives and Reflection Report 13

Part 4. Elements of Community Service 16

Part 5. 
Overseas Community Service: Serving Communities
beyond Singapore 19
Part 6. OnTRAC 22

Part 7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 23

Part 8. Centre for Social Responsibility (C4SR) Contact Details 27

1
Part 1:
Community Service & You
COMMUNITY SERVICE AT SMU
Community Service has been an integral part of SMU’s DNA since our
university’s inception in 2000 and is a graduation requirement under the
Communities pillar of the SMU Core Curriculum. All undergraduates are
required to complete a minimum of 80 hours of community service.

Students matriculated in AY2024-25 (excluding students in the Bachelor of

Laws programme) will be awarded one course unit (1 CU), upon successful
completion of the Community Service requirements. For students in the
Bachelor of Laws programme, Community Service is a non-credit bearing
Albert graduation requirement.
Schweitzer,
Nobel Peace
Bachelor of Laws
Prize 1952
Within the SMU’s community service requirement, all Law students must
ONE THING I KNOW: perform a minimum of 20 hours of pro bono work approved by the
THE ONLY ONES Singapore Institute of Legal Education (SILE). This may be done at any time
AMONG YOU WHO after the completion of Term 2, Year one.
WILL BE REALLY
To meet the community service requirement, Law students may either
HAPPY ARE THOSE
complete:
WHO WILL HAVE
SOUGHT AND FOUND (A) the minimum 80 hours through the SILE approved pro bono work
HOW TO SERVE. OR
(B) the minimum 20 hours of SILE approved pro bono work and remaining
60 hours through other community service projects approved by C4SR.

Concert organist,
theologian, doctor Please refer to the SMU Pro Bono Centre’s website, or email probonocentre@
to the poor in [Link] for more information.
Africa, founder of
a leprosarium at START EARLY ON YOUR COMMUNITY SERVICE
Lamarene Your community service involvement may be undertaken any time during your
course of study, but as your seniors will tell you, it is best to start as early
as possible. Starting early not only gives you sufficient time to complete the
required hours, it also means you have ample opportunities to find a cause
that you are passionate about, and possibly one that you can continue to
serve beyond the 80-hour requirement.

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Part 2:
Starting
Your Community Service

We urge all students to complete their community service graduation requirement by the
end of their second Academic Year. Do note that no exceptions or waivers will be provided
for this graduation requirement. If you do encounter any challenges, please email C4SR at
commsvcs@[Link] for assistance.

Delaying your community service till your final year may also result in delays to your graduation
as non-profit organisations will not be able to accommodate you at short notice and prefer
students to commit to longer-term regular volunteering.

As community service is a graduation requirement under the SMU Core Curriculum, the
following procedures must be strictly adhered to:

CHECKLIST

1 6 Complete your
3 Submit your application or
Mid-Activity
self-propose on OnTRAC
Learning Objectives
[You will need to submit your
Review on OASIS
application/ self propose for all
volunteering opportunities prior
Complete 1 Reflective to the start date. Non-profit
Practice Unit (RPU) and 4 partners will not submit these 7 Submit your
Community Service Units on your behalf.] Performance
(CSUs) on e-Learn Appraisal &
[within first Academic Year] Timesheet to
4 Complete your Pre-Activity C4SR
Learning Objectives
2 Selection on OASIS
8

5
Start of your Community
Service Project Complete your Post-Activity
Source for a suitable [Complete your CS within first Learning Objectives Review
Community Service two years] and Reflection Report on
Project OASIS

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Part 2
Starting Your Community Service

CHECKLIST 1. MANDATORY ONLINE UNITS (RPU & CSUs)

Before you embark on your community service efforts, you have to complete five mandatory online
units: one Reflective Practice Unit (RPU) and four Community Service Units (CSUs) on eLearn.

The RPU will equip you with skills for deeper and more meaningful reflection, while the CSUs will
introduce you to guiding principles and tools such as service learning, needs assessment and asset
mapping. These units will help you to better understand and apply your learning so as to provide
more impactful and sustainable service to the community.
The CSUs comprise the following:
• CSU101 – Understanding My Role in Community Engagement
• CSU102 – Sustainability and Sustainable Development
• CSU103 – Service-Learning
• CSU104 – Needs Assessment and Asset Mapping
GETTING DOWN TO THE DETAILS
Reflective Practice Unit (RPU)
(a) Login to eLearn with your SMU user ID or SMU email address:

(b) Click on “Co-Curricular Learning” module icon.

(c) Click on ‘Start here!’ icon and read the overview of RPU to start the learning unit.

(d) Go through the content and attempt the Quiz. To achieve a pass, you will need to score 80% or higher.

(e) You have successfully completed the RPU when you receive an acknowledgement from eLearn’s system
generated email.

(f) Do note that you will not be able to view the CSUs until you pass the RPU Quiz.
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Part 2:
Starting Your Community Service

(g) Your Integrated Co-curricular Management System (ICMS) account will automatically be activated before
the start of your first co-curricular activity (Community Service Project, Internship, or any other CCA).

You will receive an email with instructions on how to access your ICMS
account once it has been activated.

For more information, visit [Link]/ccaguide

Community Service Units (CSUs)

(a) Under the same Co-Curricular Learning course, Click on "Start now" or “Content” to start on the learning
units.

(b) There are four CSUs labelled from 101 to 104. Click on any of the CSU titles to access the content. (You
are encouraged to follow the recommended flow).

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Part 2:
Starting Your Community Service

(c) Attempt the quizzes in each section. To achieve a pass, you will need to score 80% or higher for every
quiz given in the CSUs.

(d) Read the Community Service e-Guidebook.

(e) Attempt and pass the Final Quiz. To achieve a pass, you will need to score 80% or higher.

(f) You have successfully completed all the four learning units and final quiz when you receive an
acknowledgement from eLearn’s system generated email. Do note that you will not be able to apply or
self-propose any community service project on OnTRAC if you have not completed and passed the CSUs
and final quiz. The quiz result is available on OnTRAC > Community Service > My Account > Personal
> Completed Community Service Prerequisites, which will be marked as ‘Yes’ once you have passed all
quizzes.

Once you have completed the online units and passed the quizzes, please wait for 1 to 3 Working Days for
the system to update your completion status. If you are still unable to apply or self-propose any CSPs after
this period, please email to commsvcs@[Link] for assistance. If you have problems accessing eLearn,
please email to elearn@[Link] for assistance.

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Part 2:
Starting Your Community Service

CHECKLIST 2. SOURCE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

Guidelines for projects

 roposed community service projects must comprise direct interaction with beneficiaries
(a) P
from disadvantaged or marginalized backgrounds OR involve deeper engagement for
environment and animal welfare causes. In the event that COVID-19 is still prevalent and
where volunteering might pose a challenge, only virtual volunteering will be allowed. You can
source for suitable volunteer opportunities with Non-Profit (NPO)/Community Organisations,
Social Service Agencies (SSA) or Social Enterprises (SE). Consider using your skills to help
these organisations with their existing programmes such as tutoring, befriending/mentoring or
capacity building efforts such as website development, research, publicity articles/campaigns,
content curation for their programmes, etc. You could also curate new programmes to help the
organisations with unmet needs and develop sustainable solutions for longer-term impact. For
further enquiries, please drop us an email at commsvcs@[Link].

(b) N
 ot all volunteering opportunities organised by NPOs/Community Organisations, SSAs or SEs are
approved for SMU's community service graduation requirement. Projects proposed must address
a social issue and involve volunteering done on a regular, longer-term basis. These projects
must also provide regular and sufficient opportunities to engage and interact with beneficiaries.
Such involvement and engagement will then create opportunities for you to learn more in-depth
about the social issues and challenges facing your beneficiaries/beneficiary community and at
the same time, help you to provide a more impactful service.

(c) S
 hort-term community events and activities such as Flag Days, Christmas Kettling or Ad-Hoc
Events Management like Ushering/Marshalling, Race Packers or Pre-Event Set Up, etc, are not
approved for the community service graduation requirement. Longer-term opportunities with no
defined social issues or with insufficient engagement with beneficiaries are also not approved.
Please note that planning activities for approved projects may be subjected to moderation.

(d) C
 ommunity activities by religious/ faith-based organisations can be considered, if the activities
are secular, and are in-line with the University’s requirement.

(e) S
 tudents must also serve through registered NPOs/Community Organisations, SSAs or
SEs, which will be subjected to approval. You should preferably volunteer with one organisation
for the first 80 hours, so as to ensure that you have sufficient engagement to learn more about the
social issue and beneficiaries you are serving. Proposed volunteering opportunities must meet
the other guidelines cited in this section. Do note that volunteering opportunities with informal
and ground up initiatives are not approved.

(f) F
 or students in the Bachelor of Laws programme, there is no limit on the number of organisations
to fulfill the Pro Bono graduation requirement of minimum 20 Pro Bono hours.

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Part 2:
Starting Your Community Service

(g) E
 very project has a minimum commitment required. For example, tutoring programmes usually
need volunteers to commit for once a week between 6 months to a year, so as to be beneficial
to the beneficiary child; befriending programmes may require fortnightly sessions over 6 months
for volunteers to establish sufficient rapport with their beneficiaries. Do select a project that you
are confident of meeting its minimum commitment. We will only recognise your community
service efforts when you have met the proposed commitment of the respective project,
regardless of whether you have already completed your required hours before the project
ends.

Avenues for volunteering opportunities

(a) Refer to emailers from C4SR on volunteer opportunities.

(b) J oin projects organised throughout the year by your seniors. Please contact the Project Leaders
directly for more information and to indicate your interest to participate. Such group projects will
not be able to accommodate final-year students. We thus urge you to start early if you find a
SMU project that interests you.

(c) L
 ook for NPOs/Community Organisations, SSAs or SEs in your neighbourhood and check their
websites for volunteering opportunities or contact the organisations directly.

(d) If you are already volunteering in your personal capacity, discuss with C4SR on how you can
subsequently record this current volunteer involvement as part of your graduation requirement.

(e) P
 articipating in the following university-wide programmes under Office of Student Life (OSL):
Academic Year Opening Ceremony (AYOC), Arts Festival, Freshmen Orientation, Patron’s
Day, and VIVACE.
• Do note that, irrespective of the number of these programmes that you volunteer with, only
30 – 50 hours in total will be recognised towards the first 80 hours of your community service
graduation requirement.
• The number of hours awarded for these programmes are also limited by your level of
commitment/involvement or the role that you play. Please liaise with the officer-in-charge at
OSL to clarify if you sign-up for these programmes.

There are plenty of opportunities for students to work with beneficiaries

and NPOs/Community Organisations, SSAs or SEs in Singapore – be
it children from low-income families, elderly, persons with disabilities,
migrant workers, environment, etc. If you are interested to start your own
project or you have some new ideas, please email us at commsvcs@
[Link] to make an appointment to explore further.

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Part 2:
Starting Your Community Service

CHECKLIST 3. SUBMISSION ON OnTRAC FOR APPROVAL

All applications/ self-proposals must be submitted on OnTRAC for approval by C4SR at least:

◆ 7 working days before the start date for local projects, or

◆ 6 months in advance for overseas group projects*

◆ 2 months in advance for individual international students returning to your home country for
community service #
*For new overseas group projects, leaders must email C4SR at commsvcs@[Link] at least 9
months in advance for discussion first.

# Individual volunteering is not allowed for all other students. If you wish to volunteer overseas, sign-
up early for group projects organised by your peers at SMU.

If there is a change in the end date for approved OnTRAC applications, please inform us before
the current proposed end date.

We encourage our students to give back to the community. Many students do volunteer outside of the
Community Service requisites of the degree. Not submitting applications on OnTRAC simply means
that the students chose to serve without wanting it to count in their graduation requirement. We have
no objections to such service. Since no application was done, it will not be recognised towards your
graduation requirement. Do also note that we do not backdate applications.

(A) APPLYING FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS (CSPs)

If you find a project listed on OnTRAC that interests you, liaise first with the contact person in the
Host Organisation or the Project Leader (for SMU student-led initiatives).

Some of the volunteer opportunities listed on OnTRAC may require interested participants to go through
an interview, and/or training prior to selection. Vacancies may have already been fully subscribed too.
Thus, you should be proactive and contact the Organisation or Project Leader (for SMU student-led
initiatives) for more information, and to confirm your participation before applying on OnTRAC.

Confirm the details of the project such as the purpose, who the beneficiaries are, what your role is,
and how your contribution will make a difference. Also ensure that you are able to complete what you
have set out to do and that you can meet the project requirements. Check your timing and schedule.
Once agreed, submit your application on OnTRAC. Final year students who have not completed their
community service graduation requirement cannot join SMU student-led projects as your records will
not be processed in time for graduation.

Photo Credit: Inspirar

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Part 2:
Starting Your Community Service

USER GUIDE: OnTRAC APPLICATION FOR Student-led CSPs

(This section is for students who are joining other students in a SMU STUDENT-LED project.)

(a) Project Leader will inform members when the project proposal is approved on OnTRAC.

(b) Log in to OnTRAC > Click to select ‘Community Service’.

Important note #1:
Students who have yet to complete and pass both the Reflective Practice
Unit (RPU) and Community Service Units (CSUs) on eLearn, will not be able
to view any projects. To check your status, go to OnTRAC > My Account >
Personal > “Completed Community Service Prerequisites”.

(c) Go to left menu bar, select ‘Comm. Service Projects’ tab, search and apply to the project before the
application closing date indicated.
Important note #2:
Project postings on OnTRAC will be removed from the list,
and all applications will cease on the application closing date.
For students who did not apply in time, their
participation will not be considered towards their
community service graduation requirement. They may
volunteer in their personal capacity instead.

(d) Click on the ‘Apply’ button (documents are not required here).
(e) Then click on the ‘Submit’ button on the pop-up window.
Important note #3:
Your application process is complete once you
have done step (d), (e) and (f).

(f) Sign off your name under ‘Student Agreement Signature’ and then click ‘Submit’ to complete the
application process.

(g) Upon successful application, please look out for the approval email and read the content [Link]
Application Status will also indicate as ‘Offered (by employer)’ under Comm. Service Projects > My CS
Applications.

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Part 2:
Starting Your Community Service
(B) SELF-PROPOSING COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS (CSPs)
If you are initiating your own project or have found other volunteering opportunities with registered
NPOs/Community Organisations, SSAs or SEs, you may discuss with C4SR. Submit a self-
proposal on OnTRAC and embark on it upon approval. Non-profit partners will not submit any
application or self-proposal on your behalf.
Approval
by C4SR

Self-Propose
on OnTRAC

Complete Pre-Activity
Learning Objectives
Discuss Proposal Selection on OASIS
with C4SR
Complete
Post-Activity
Review &
Reflection Report Start of Community
on OASIS Service Project
Liaise with
contact
person

Complete Mid-Activity
Endorsed Timesheet & Learning Objectives
Appraisal by Organisation Review on OASIS

USER GUIDE: OnTRAC SELF-PROPOSE CSPs

(a) Log in to OnTRAC > Click to select ‘Community Service’.
(b) Go to left menu bar, select ‘Self-Propose Comm. Service Project’ tab. Click on ‘Add New’ button and
complete the necessary fields required.
i. brief description of the host organisation and give website link if any; must be with a
registered NPO/Community Organisation, SSA or SE
ii. full address and contact person’s details (supervisor who will be appraising you)
your e-appraisal will be sent to the email address you have given
iii. define the issue/ social cause
iv. who are the beneficiaries of this project
v. describe your service activities and frequency of engagement (proposed projects
should preferably allow you to complete the minimum 80 hours)
vi. select 1 - 2 UNSDGs that your project can support and how your project scope will
contribute towards the identified SDGs. Preference is for projects that are aligned with
Goals 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12 & 13 (refer to CSU 102)
vii. what do you hope to learn personally and about the community issue and how does
your proposed activities benefit the community
viii. demonstrate measurable service and learning outcomes
ix. proposed start & end dates of your project

If all the above questions are not addressed in your OnTRAC self-proposal, the
approval will be delayed or rejected.
(c) Click on ‘Submit’ to complete the proposal.
(d) When your proposal is approved by C4SR, an auto-generated email will be sent to you. Please read the
content carefully.
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Part 2:
Starting Your Community Service

CHECKLIST 4, 6 & 8.
SELECTION OF LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND REFLECTION REPORT
Auto-generated email prompts will be sent to you to submit your Pre-Activity Learning Objectives,
Mid-Activity Review, Post-Activity Review and Reflection Report through OASIS (Refer to Part 3 for
details).

CHECKLIST 7. PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL AND TIMESHEET

(a) K
 eep track of your own community service hours using the timesheet form (download from
OnTRAC > Community Service > Resources > Document Library > Community Service Timesheet).
Do note that your CSP hours will not be recorded or updated automatically. You must record
your hours via the timesheet and submit the endorsed timesheet to C4SR at the end of your
project. If there is a change of Supervisor/Evaluator from the Host Organisation, please provide
us with the name, email address, and designation of your supervisor, on your timesheet. We
accept scanned copy or softcopy with digital signature of the endorsed timesheet; please submit
to commsvcs@[Link]

(b) A
 n email will then be sent to your Supervisor from the Host Organisation/ Project Leader to submit
your e-appraisal (performance appraisal) after we have verified the timesheet. Please remind
your evaluator to complete your appraisal. If the hardcopy appraisal form is still preferred, you
may download the document from OnTRAC > Community Service > Resources > Document
Library > Community Service Performance Appraisal. We accept scanned copy or softcopy
with digital signature of appraisal form. Please submit to commsvcs@[Link] with an email
acknowledgement from your supervisor.

(c) P
 lease ensure that you fulfil the full commitment with the organisation before you submit your
signed timesheet and appraisal forms. These should only be submitted to C4SR at the end of your
project, regardless of whether you have already completed your required community service hours.

(d) D
 o familiarise yourself with the Performance Appraisal form. After submitting your signed timesheet
to C4SR, your Supervisor from the Host Organisation or Project Leader will assess your conduct
and contribution in the community service project via a Performance Appraisal Form. While you
volunteer to fufill your community service hours, it is also important that you meet the requirements
of the project, such as (i) proposed commitment, (ii) responsibilities of your role in the project,
(iii) adhere to code of conduct specified for volunteers, and (iv) engage your beneficiaries and
beneficiary community with respect and decorum. Failure to meet project requirements and an
overall ‘unsatisfactory’ performance appraisal may require you to re-do your community service
project.

(e) F
 ailure to meet project requirements and an overall ‘Unsatisfactory’ performance appraisal may
require you to re-do your community service project. This will also delay the completion of
your Community Service Graduation Requirement.
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Part 3:
Selection of
Learning Objectives
and Reflection Report
(1) PRE, MID, POST-ACTIVITY LEARNING OBJECTIVES SELECTION AND
REFLECTION REPORT ON OASIS
We recognise that the co-curricular experience, such as community service, can be unique, varied,
and often unpredictable. As such, we hope to empower you with the autonomy to choose and focus
on areas that you will able to learn and improve upon. The process of selecting areas of growth and
being cognisant of them as you embark on your co-curricular experiences can be both illuminating
and advantageous later on, as you relate your experiences to others. Instead of focusing on what
you did, you will be able to articulate what you have learnt, which can be transferable and applicable
to different contexts.
Pre, Mid, Post-Activity Learning Objectives Selection serve to augment your co-curricular journey
through making learning visible, so that you will be better able to focus on what you wish to improve
and learn.

Do note that the Pre, Mid, Post-Activity Learning Objectives Selection and
Reflection Report must be completed for every community service project you
undertake for the first 80 hours of community service. For example, if you complete
one project with 50 hours and another for 30 hours, the Pre, Mid, Post-Activity Learning
Objectives Selection and Reflection Report must be completed for both projects.

Students who participate in additional projects beyond the minimum 80 hours will also need to
complete the Pre, Mid, Post-Activity Learning Objectives Selection and Reflection Report, if you
want these additional projects to be reflected in your co-curricular transcript.

A. PRE-ACTIVITY SELECTION OF LEARNING OBJECTIVES

On the start date of your community service project, you will be prompted to select 3 learning
objectives through OASIS. You will also need to briefly explain how you will work towards these
learning objectives and share how achieving them will look like.

B. MID-ACTIVITY REVIEW
During your community service project (i.e. at the mid-point of your project), you will be prompted to
indicate on OASIS if the learning objectives selected are relevant and still achievable. If any of your
learning objectives is not achieved, briefly explain reasons; should you require any assistance, you
may email C4SR at commsvcs@[Link].
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Part 3:
Selection of Learning Objectives and Reflection Report

C. POST-ACTIVITY REVIEW AND REFLECTION REPORT

At the end date of your community service project, you will be prompted to indicate if you have
achieved the learning objectives selected. If not, briefly explain why. You will also be prompted to
complete reflective questions for your reflection report. The questions will follow the “What, So What,
Now What” framework learnt in the Reflective Practice Unit.
Submit your reflection report through OASIS (under All Apps, click on “Participation and Grading”)
within one month of completing the project.

GUIDING QUESTIONS (please refer back to the Reflective Practice Unit on eLearn if you need help
with your reflection report.)

(2) EVALUATION AND GRADING

You will be graded based on your reflection report and the performance appraisal form submitted by
the Host Organisation/Project Leader at the end of your community service project(s), following the
completion of the first 80 hours of community service.
One course unit (1 CU) will be awarded upon your successful completion of the Community Service
requirements. For students in the Bachelor of Laws programme, Community Service completion will
be reflected as a “Pass/ Fail” in your degree transcript.
Please note that to meet the Community Service graduation requirement, you should not merely
aim to fufill 80 hours of service. For any project that you undertake, you must also meet the project
requirements such as: (a) proposed commitment, (b) responsibilities of your role in the project,

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Part 3:
Selection of Learning Objectives and Reflection Report

(c) adhere to code of conduct specified for volunteers, and (d) engage the beneficiaries and
beneficiary community with respect and decorum. Failure to meet project requirements and an overall
‘Unsatisfactory’ performance appraisal may require you to re-do your community service project. This
will also delay the completion of your Community Service Graduation Requirement.

(3) FILING FOR GRADUATION

Once you are eligible to file for graduation in your final year, there are important points to take note
of for Community Service. The following table illustrates the 7 graduation terms, and the deadline(s)
for graduates in order for you to graduate in time:

• Your Community Service status does not affect the eligibility to file for graduation, meaning you can file
for graduation even if your community service is still outstanding. However, it will affect your eligibility to
graduate ultimately.

• After filing for graduation, you must ensure that you have completed any outstanding Community Service
graduation requirements with your status updated on OASIS, in order to graduate. In the event that you
have completed Community Service but your Degree Progress Report shows otherwise (i.e. component
marked “X”), please check with C4SR.

• Your Community Service graduation requirement is recognised as complete when your Community Service
Reflection Reports on OASIS are graded with a pass. If you have not passed your Community Service for
graduation in the term that you have filed for, your graduation will be transferred to the next available term
for consideration (you do not need to re-file for graduation).

• Graduates in Term 1, Term 2, Modified Term 2 and Term 3A will be able to attend Commencement in the
same academic year.

• Graduates in Modified Term 3A, Term 3B and Modified Term 3B will attend Commencement in the following
academic year.

The policies and procedures on graduation (by Office of Registrar) can be found at OASIS > ACADEMIC >
Graduation.

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Part 4:
Elements of Community Service
Please refer to the four Community Service Units (CSUs) on eLearn for more information on the following:

a. BENEFICIARIES
Your beneficiaries are the most important people. Students sometimes forget the beneficiaries in the
midst of the programme operations. They are the purpose of you doing what you are doing and the
reason the issue exists. Keep them constantly in your focus and establish meaningful friendships so
that you understand their lives and situation better.

b. LEADERSHIP
A university student can use the opportunities in community service to hone one’s leadership qualities
in many ways. Seize the opportunity to read up, learn and exercise leadership skills through community
service.

c. RESOURCES & CHALLENGES

Resources are often limited. Challenges are continually posed to us in the real world. Students can
further hone the skills and knowledge they have gained in university or in the past to execute a
meaningful life-impacting community service project.

d. PEOPLE e. PUBLICITY
How would you rally support from people who
Rallying people to join you is often a challenge.
do not know the issue you are advocating?
It shows your ability to influence. Build up the
Raise public awareness for your project through
people who share your vision, starting with those
informational collaterals/videos or mobilise public
close to you, then work outwards – Exco, Sub-
support via social media platforms. Become well-
committee, team members, volunteers.
versed in the cause you are serving and boldly
champion it.
f. RISK MANAGEMENT
Risks are either real or perceived. The balance of g. WORKING WITH PARTNERS
the two enables a meaningful project. Ensure that
Partnership is critical to achieving success.
when you organise an activity, you exercise Duty of
Ensure that you and the community partner agree
Care as the organiser. Perform Risk Assessment
on the scope of the project and follow through till
and build in Emergency Management System to
the end. If your community partner is also able to
ensure that in the event of anything going wrong,
continue your efforts after the end of your project,
you have action steps to take because you have
this will ensure a more sustainable impact for your
already thought through the processes. Ensure
beneficiary community.
you have sufficient Insurance coverage for the
activity you have planned and are involved in.
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Part 4:
Elements of Community Service

h. SETTING GOALS
Setting goals for your project gives you long-term vision and short-term motivation. It focuses your
team’s acquisition of knowledge for understanding, and helps you to organise your time and resources
to meet the needs of both the team and the community. By setting specific, clearly defined goals,
you can measure the achievement of those goals, and you will see the impact of the project on both
your team’s learning and the beneficiary community.

Work SMART not just HARD; Goals set should be:

S–S  pecific (Who, What, Where, When, Why and How)
M–M  easurable (How much, How many, How will I know)
A – Attainable (Does it stretch me, challenge, motivate me? Do I have the appropriate
knowledge, skills, and/or abilities?)
R–R  elevant/Realistic (What is the reason, purpose, benefit?)
T–T  ime-bound (What is the established completion date? Does it create a practical sense of
urgency?)

i. SUSTAINABLE PROJECT SCOPE

You can contribute to global efforts by deliberately aligning your community service efforts to the
UN SDGs and helping your community partners develop appropriate long-term solutions for the
sustainable development of your beneficiary communities. Sustainability is ensuring opportunity for
full participation by the beneficiary target group and the community in all activities, needs assessment,
benefits, and decision-making. It is also focused on building capacity of stakeholders and community
leaders, e.g. teachers, local skilled volunteers, youth leaders, parents, to help their own community
in the long-run. Project efforts that can contribute in such areas include capacity building initiatives,
skills transfer or educational/ financial empowerment programmes. Please refer to CSU 102 to find
out more about the UN SDGs and CSU 104 for asset mapping.

j. ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

It is important to consider environmental and social costs and not short-term savings when organising
projects. Examples of responsible action can be reiterated in the use of recycled paper when printing
collaterals, biodegradable utensils (or better still, members can bring their own permanent utensils
while invited people use biodegradable cutlery), segregated wastes, and the list goes on. More
information can be found in the Singapore Environmental Council’s website ([Link]).
Likewise, you can also purchase from and support social enterprises and business arms of NPOs
or SSAs. For instance, when organising projects, instead of using standard folders for collateral
and other materials, the organisers may consider purchasing handwoven cloth pocket folders from
Cambodia made by women who have been saved from human trafficking and abuse. The prices are
often similar or differ minimally, but the impact is far-reaching.

Photo Credit: Project Vikasa

17
Part 4:
Elements of Community Service

k. FUNDRAISING
Fundraising is often an important component for a community service project - be it fundraising to
execute the project, or to raise funds for the beneficiary community. It can be as simple as seeking for
donations among family and friends to a nationwide fundraising campaign with multiple approaches
and target groups. Do note that any fundraising initiative has to be approved by C4SR before you
proceed.
The basic principle of fundraising is – know your beneficiary well FIRST. Know their situation, their
plight, their needs, their stories, the challenges, and their strengths. Once you have them in your
heart, there is little you need in terms of being convinced about their situation. You might be surprised
how your articulation of their situation would be!
There are generally four platforms through which you can raise funds for your projects:

1 3
NPO or SSA Licenced Fundraising External Fundraising

 ome SMU project teams may partner an NPO/SSA to raise

S
There are two key avenues -
funds for the organisation.
The “House-to-House and Street Collection” Permit for such
government funds
A
(e.g. Youth Expedition Project {YEP} funding)
corporate
B
sponsorship
fund-raising has to applied for by the NPO/ SSA with the 
Police. Do note that this is only applicable for local NPOs/ Corporate fundraising needs to be communicated to C4SR,
SSAs which serve beneficiaries in Singapore. while also notifying the Office of Advancement (OA). The list
of companies/ organisations students plan to approach has
to be given to OA for approval. OA will then give approval for
companies/ organisations that the team can seek funding from.
2  tudents need to also be particularly careful of the ethics and
S
principles in fundraising, governance, and even the acceptance
Fundraising in SMU Campus for of money from questionable sources.
Overseas Community Service Projects
 4
Students who are involved in international volunteerism need to
seek permission from C4SR to fundraise WITHIN the campus. SMU Grants
After approval, the students can fundraise during the period 
approved for. If you are intending to sell any food items, please There are grants available at SMU to support both individual
refer to SMU Office of Safety and Security’s (OSS) Standard students and project teams in their community service efforts.
Operating Procedures on Dos & Don’ts For SMU Students Please refer to the Grants/Subsidies section on SMU’s Financial
Organised Events on F&B related matters. Assistance Schemes webpage for more information.

Please also refer to OCSP Info Pack found in OnTRAC >

> Community Service > Resources > Document Library for
more information.

Please refer to the SMU Principles of Applied Governance & Essentials (P.A.G.E.) in OASIS > Campus Life & Exchange > SMU
P.A.G.E. > Branding, for information on SMU’s Branding Integration, Fundraising Guidelines and others.

18
Part 5:
Overseas Community Service:
Serving Communities beyond Singapore
Engaging the communities around you is the start of a lifelong journey in developing initiative,
persistence, accountability, ethics, endurance, sustainability and many other qualities. This will help
the individual and the community to work interdependently to reinvent, re-engineer, and re-imagine the
roles that they play in order to advance and thrive as transformational leaders in the world we live in.

PROCEDURES FOR OVERSEAS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS (OCSP)

The application for an OCSP is similar to that of a local community service application. However, as
the issues relating to international volunteerism are more intricate, please contact the C4SR staff
for a discussion first (at least 9 months in advance for new projects and 2 months in advance
for individual international students returning to your home country for community service).

CRITERIA FOR INDIVIDUAL OVERSEAS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

i. O
 nly international students returning to their home country, can embark on individual volunteering
back in their home country (home state/province), provided they have obtained approval from
C4SR prior to their departure from Singapore.

ii. S
 tudents who have been approved for overseas internship or exchange can contact C4SR if they
wish to volunteer in their host country during the period of internship or exchange.

iii. Individual volunteering overseas is not allowed for all other students. If you wish to volunteer
overseas, sign-up early for group projects orgnised by your peers at SMU.

iv. F
 or International Students who wish to conduct an individual OCSP, they may do so only if the
location of the project is their hometown.

CRITERIA FOR GROUP OVERSEAS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

i. L
 eaders and members must have already completed and passed the mandatory online learning
units (RPU and CSUs) before initiating or joining the OCSP respectively.

ii. D
 ue to graduation timelines, graduating students in their final academic year, who have not
completed the first 80 hours of community service CANNOT lead or take part in OCSP.

iii. L
 eaders must arrange for a consultation with C4SR to seek approval before signing up for any
training.

 eaders are to email C4SR at commsvcs@[Link] their intention of any new OCSP at least
iv. L
9 months prior to actual implementation. This should include some of the following:
a. Profile of Partner Organisation e. Profile of Target Beneficiaries
b. Country and Location of Project Site f. Duration and Period
c. Needs and Assets of Beneficiary Community g. Intended Team Size
d. Proposed Sustainable Project Scope h. Proposed Impact Assessment

19
Part 5:
Overseas Community Service:
Serving Communities beyond Singapore

v. P
 roject duration for OCSP should have at least 10 service days, and project site should be 2 hours
or less from the nearest and suitable hospital.

vi. Three leaders are required to lead a team of 14-25 members. Upon project approval, leaders must
complete the following training.
• 2-day Standard First Aid Training Course
• 4-day YEP Leaders’ Training Course
• 3hr-Basic Emergency Management (BEM) Workshop, conducted by SMU Office of Safety & Security (OSS).

 CSP teams must have at least four first aid trained persons. The recommended is 15-20%
vii. O
of team size.

viii. For OCSPs, recce of overseas project site must be done before recruitment and preferably after
Standard First Aid Training Course and YEP Leaders Training Course. All recce related forms
are to be submitted at least 3 weeks before departure.

ix. L
 eaders are encouraged to apply for Youth Expedition Project (YEP) funding from National Youth
Council (NYC) unless project is unable to meet the YEP funding criteria.

 ll OCSP documents and OnTRAC application for actual overseas project must be submitted 3
x. A
months before departure.

xi. OCSP will only be recognised upon successful submission and approval on OnTRAC before
commencing on the OCSP.

xii. All students on official travels sanctioned by SMU are eligible for SMU’s basic medical and travel
insurance coverage. As the level of insurance coverage is a personal preference, students and/
or parents can consider purchasing their own insurance policies for higher or additional coverage
before the commencement of the OCSPs.

xiii. OCSP teams must seek clearance from C4SR before approaching companies/ organisations for
donations and sponsorships (refer to Part 4).

xiv. The following ‘Pre-Departure Safety Preparation’ procedures must be completed by students
before your OCSPs:
a. Complete the Overseas Travel Safety E-Briefing on e-Learn.
b. Register the trip onto the ISOS’s Global Assistance Programme.
c. Complete the ‘My Pre-Departure Checklist’ on OASIS at least 8 weeks prior to your departure. Inform
your C4SR project manager upon completion for verification and endorsement of these checklists.

For more details please refer: OASIS > Academic > Global Exposure & Travel Safety.

Please note that completing pre-departure safety preparation before travel is mandatory for all
students before travelling internationally for your global exposure activities, including OCSPs.
Failure to comply with the guidelines will result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to
non-recognition of the global exposure activity (where applicable).

Should you have any queries / clarifications on the ‘Pre-Departure Safety Preparation’
procedures, please liaise with your project manager before contacting the Office of Safety and
Security (OSS) Team at safetycentre@[Link].

20
Part 5:
Overseas Community Service:
Serving Communities beyond Singapore

xv. When in doubt, please speak to your C4SR Project Manager. Exceptions to any of the above
requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

*Leaders may download the OCSP Info Pack on OnTRAC > Community Service > Resources >
Document Library for further details.

USEFUL RESOURCES
Curated Research Guides on selected countries have been prepared by SMU Libraries in collaboration with SMU-X.
If you are travelling to the following countries, you might find the guides useful.
• Understanding CHINA [Link]
• Understanding CAMBODIA [Link]
• Understanding INDIA [Link]
• Understanding INDONESIA [Link]
• Understanding LAOS [Link]
• Understanding MALAYSIA [Link]
• Understanding MYANMAR [Link]
• Understanding PHILIPPINES [Link]
• Understanding THAILAND [Link]
• Understanding VIETNAM [Link]

Photo Credit: Project Bike4Change Photo Credit: Project Xing Fu

21
Part 6:
OnTRAC
You can log-in to OnTRAC at [Link] for online applications and resources
related to community service. Click on the ‘Community Service’ button.

As OnTRAC is also used for Internships’ applications, please do ensure you are in the correct
page when submitting your community service application or checking for community service
forms/guides.

DOCUMENT TEMPLATES ON OnTRAC

Go to OnTRAC > Community Service > Resources > Document Library, to download these
documents:
a) Community Service Timesheet
b) Performance Appraisal form
c) OCSP Info Pack

22
Part 7:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please do go through this e-Guidebook for the Community Service application/ approval procedures and re-
quirements and the FAQs listed here before making enquiries with C4SR. This will help us to focus on helping
students with issues rather than spending time to reply emails where answers could be found in the guide/
FAQs.

1. W
 here can I go to check my Completed 4. W
 ill all volunteer opportunities be considered
Community Service Units (CSUs) status? towards my graduation requirement?
 o check your status, go to OnTRAC >
T  roposed community service projects have to
P
Community Service > My Account > Personal comprise direct interaction with beneficiaries
> Completed Community Service Prerequisites. from disadvantaged or marginalized
backgrounds OR involve deeper engagement
2. C
 an I start my community service project for environment and animal welfare causes.
before passing the online learning units (RPU The volunteering should also be done on a
& CSUs)? regular, longer-term basis. Such involvement
In order for you to start fulfilling your community and engagement will then create opportunities
service graduation requirement, you must for you to learn more in-depth about the social
complete and pass the five mandatory online issues and challenges facing your beneficiaries/
units (RPU & CSUs) on eLearn first. The RPU beneficiary community and at the same time, help
will equip you with skills for deeper and more you to provide a more impactful service.
meaningful reflection, while the CSUs will Planning activities may be subjected to moderation.
introduce you to guiding principles and tools
such as service learning, needs analysis and 5. Can I volunteer in Flag Days and other Ad-hoc
asset mapping. These units will help you better Event Management?
understand and apply your learning so as to Community Service is a credit-bearing graduation
provide more impactful and sustainable service requirement under the Communities pillar of the
to the community. SMU Core Curriculum. As part of this requirement,
3. How do I find a community service project? students have to volunteer with community
service projects where they get an opportunity
 here are plenty of opportunities for students to
T to interact with the beneficiary community and
work with beneficiaries and NPOs/Community understand more about the social issue addressed
Organisations, SSAs or SEs in Singapore – be by that project. This learning will then have to be
it children from low-income families, elderly, the documented via a reflection report which will then
disabled, migrant workers, environment, etc. be graded, before you are awarded the 1 CU.
You can:  herefore, not all volunteering opportunities
T
• Refer to emailers from C4SR on volunteer organised by SSAs/SEs/NPOs are approved such
opportunities as Flag Days, Christmas Kettle, Ad-hoc Event
• Join projects organised throughout the year Management (e.g., Ushers/Crowd Control) as
by your seniors there is no direct interaction with the beneficiaries
involved.
• Look for NPOs/Community Organisations,
SSAs or SEs in your neighbourhood 6. Can I volunteer with a religious/faith-based
and check their website for volunteering organisation?
opportunities or contact the organisations
 es, you may, if the volunteer activities are secular.
Y
directly
These activities conducted via the religious
• If you are already volunteering in your institution must have direct and ample interaction
personal capacity, discuss with C4SR on with beneficiaries from disadvantaged/marginalized
how you can subsequently record this backgrounds on a regular basis. As not all
current volunteer involvement as part of volunteer activities can be considered towards
your graduation requirement your graduation requirement, please provide us with
• If you are interested to start your own project more information on what will you be doing as a
or you have some new ideas, please email volunteer so that we can advise on whether it can be
us at commsvcs@[Link] to make an considered towards your graduation requirement.
appointment to explore further.

23
Part 7:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

7. W
 hy do I need to contact the Organisation or 11. I have forgotten to apply/ submit my self-
Project Leader before applying for opportunities proposal on OnTRAC. Can I apply/ submit my
listed on OnTRAC? self-proposal later and have my participation in
the community service project count towards
 ome of the volunteer opportunities listed on
S
my graduation requirement?
OnTRAC require interested participants to go
through an interview, and/or training prior to No, please note that we do not backdate projects.
selection. Vacancies may have already been fully For your participation to be considered towards your
subscribed too. Thus, you should be proactive graduation requirement, you must apply/ submit
and contact the Organisation or Project Leader your self-proposal on OnTRAC and gain approval
(for student-led initiatives) for more information, from C4SR before commencing on your community
and to confirm your participation before applying service project.
on OnTRAC.
If the posting is still available on OnTRAC, please
8. I have sourced a local/ overseas community apply immediately. We would require time to
service project. Can I propose it on OnTRAC, respond and approve your application. The record
and start immediately? of your community service project will commence
according to the minimum timeline following your
 or local community service projects, please submit
F
submission date (at least 7 working days for local
your self-proposal on OnTRAC at least 7 working
projects and 6 - 9 months for overseas projects).
days before you start for our approval first.
12. I have applied to a community service project
 or new overseas group projects, leaders must
F
on OnTRAC, but did not embark on it. What
email C4SR at commsvcs@[Link] at least 9
can I do about my records?
months in advance for discussion first.
Email commsvcs@[Link] to explain the
I f you are unsure of whether what you wish to do is
situation so that we may assist you.
suitable, and that it can be considered towards your
graduation requirement, please email commsvcs@ 13. Can I extend my community service project
[Link] for consultation before committing. period?
9. 
W hy is my application to the Overseas  you wish to extend your project end date (e.g.,
If
Community Service Project (OCSP) on OnTRAC within 4 months of your initial approved end date
not approved? on OnTRAC), please ensure you have obtained
approval from your supervisor. C4SR will update
 CSP postings on OnTRAC are applicable for
O
your end date on OnTRAC when you send us your
selected participants only. Recruitments for OCSPs
endorsed timesheet. Should you receive the auto-
often occur between 3 to 6 months in advance of the
generated notification for mid/post-activity review
actual trip. Please keep a look out for recruitment
and reflection reports, you should complete them
emailers from C4SR to sign-up for the project teams’
at the end of your project.
information sessions and/or interviews. Contact the
Project Leaders directly for more information and  or extensions that are more than 6 months
F
to indicate your interest to participate. past the original end date, please notify C4SR
immediately via commsvcs@[Link]. Ensure
If you are already a participant of the OCSP team
that your project supervisor has already approved
and your OnTRAC application is not approved,
the extension before contacting C4SR.
please check with your Project Leader.
14. The volunteer opportunity on OnTRAC indicated
10. When can I start my community service?
the number of hours. Does that mean that it will
 lease login to OnTRAC to check your approved
P be the total number of hours I will be awarded
start date. You need to submit your self-proposal at from participating too?
least 7 working days before your intended start date.
 he number of hours indicated on the OnTRAC
T
If you had not done so, the start date will have postings are an estimation. We will need your
been adjusted; Community Service hours will only Community Service Timesheet and Performance
be recognised from the approved start date on Appraisal at the end of your community service
OnTRAC. project, to determine the actual number of hours you
have fulfilled. Planning activities may be subjected
to moderation.

24
Part 7:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

15. 
Can I get community service hours by 20. What documents must I submit at the end of
participating in any Office of Student Life (OSL) my community service project?
school-wide programmes?
 t the end of your community service project,
A
 nly Arts Festival, Academic Year Opening
O please submit your endorsed Community
Ceremony (AYOC), Freshmen Orientation, Patron’s Service Timesheet to us. If there is a change of
Day, and VIVACE are considered. Irrespective of Supervisor/Evaluator from the Host Organisation,
the number of these programmes that you volunteer please provide us with the name, email address,
with, only 30 – 50 hours in total will be recognised and designation of your supervisor, on your
towards the first 80 hours of your community service timesheet. We accept scanned copy or softcopy
graduation requirement. The number of hours with digital signature of the endorsed timesheet;
awarded for these programmes are also limited please submit to commsvcs@[Link] with
by the level of commitment/involvement, or the an email acknowledgement from your supervisor.
role that you play. Please liaise with the officer-
in-charge at OSL to clarify if you sign-up for these An email will be sent to your supervisor as indicated
programmes. on OnTRAC, for him/her to access your e-appraisal.
Please help to remind your supervisor from the
16. If I intend to work with more than one
Organisation to submit your e-appraisal.
organisation to complete the first 80 community
service hours, can it still be considered towards If the hardcopy appraisal form is still preferred,
my graduation requirement? you may download the document from OnTRAC
> Community Service > Resources > Document
 ou can volunteer with more than one organisation.
Y
Library > Community Service Performance
However, to have a more meaningful experience,
Appraisal. We accept scanned copy or softcopy
we strongly encourage you to volunteer with
with digital signature of appraisal form. Please
one organisation to complete your graduation
submit to commsvcs@[Link] with an email
requirement.
acknowledgement from your supervisor.
 or students in the Bachelor of Laws programme,
F
 or student-led projects, please check with your
F
all Pro Bono attachments will be considered as
Project Leader(s) first.
under one organisation.
21. How will I know when I can go to OASIS to
17. When is the recommended time for me to
submit my Community Service Reflection
complete my Community Service?
Report?
 4SR highly recommends that your complete your
C
 uto-generated emails will be sent to prompt you to
A
Community Service requirements within the first 2
submit your Pre-Activity Learning Objectives, Mid-
years of your studies in SMU to ensure that your
Activity Review, Post-Activity Review and Reflection
graduation requirements can be settled without
Report on OASIS.
any delays.
22. I have just completed my first community
18. Why can't I wait till my final year in SMU to
service project. How do I submit my Community
complete my community service?
Service Reflection Report for grading?
 on-profit organisations prefer students to commit
N
 he grading of your community service will
T
to longer-term regular volunteering. They may thus
require you to complete 4 essential steps:
not be able to offer any volunteering opportunity to
allow you to complete your hours in a shorter-time
•Pre-Activity Learning Objectives Selection (on
frame. Group projects at SMU will also not accept
the start date of your community service) on
final-year students due to the project commitment
OASIS
and time needed for follow-ups including recognition
•Mid-Activity Review (during your community
of hours and completion of appraisals.
service) on OASIS
 ltimately, this can lead to a delay to your
U •Submit Timesheet and Performance Appraisal
graduation, so it is highly recommended to clear (at the end of your community service)
your requirements early! • Post-Activity Review and Reflection Report
(within one month of completion of community
19. Where can I check my Community Service service) on OASIS
hours?
To check your CSP hours, please log on to OASIS Your community service will be graded only
and navigate to the “Participation and Grading when these four steps are completed and the
Details” application to view the breakdown of your mimimum 80 hours have been met. Should your
records (OASIS > Apps and Forms > All Apps > 80 hours of community service towards your
Participation and Grading).
25
Part 7:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

degree requirement comprise more than one

community service project, do note that all the
above have to be completed for each of your
community service project.
23. Why have my hours not updated even though
I’ve already submitted my timesheet?
 lease ensure that your supervisor has
P
completed your appraisal and it has already
been submitted to C4SR. If the hours have still
not been updated after a period of time (e.g., 3
weeks), double check with your supervisor first.
If the appraisal has already been submitted and
the issue still persists, please email commsvcs@
[Link] immediately.
24. My Community Service requirement is shown
as 'Not satisfied' on my degree progress
report despite completing the necessary
requirements.
 riority is given to graduating students for the
P
grading of reports. Please check your status on
OASIS under View Degree Progress Report,
in the next academic term. Once your report is
graded, your community service will be reflected
as completed.

26
Part 8:
Centre for Social Responsibility
(C4SR) Contact Details

Photo Credit: Project Reef Alert

Photo Credit: Project BAEsils Photo Credit: Goh Yi Ling,

School of Social Sciences Graduate
volunteering @ Oasis Second
Main Email: commsvcs@[Link] Chance Animal Shelter (OSCAS)

Address:
Centre for Social Responsibility (C4SR)
Singapore Management University, Li Ka Shing Library
70 Stamford Road #B1-38, Singapore 178901

Website: [Link]

C4SR Team:
Josephine Ma josephinema@[Link] / 6828 0331
Esther Ong estherong@[Link] / 6828 0796
Ng Xin Le xlng@[Link] / 6828 4876
Sherman Yeo shermanyeo@[Link] / 6828 0313
Pam Wan pamwan@[Link] / 6828 0676
Candy Tan candytanll@[Link] / 6808 7925
Tan Gek Cheng gctan@[Link] / 6828 0320
Devi devi@[Link] / 6828 0161

“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”
Mother Teresa

27