Public Service & Leadership Certificate

Step 1: Pathways to Public Service Assessment

Discover which pathway(s) to public service most speak to your interests and goals.

Take the Pathways to Public Service Assessment, and Save Your Results.

Pathways include: Direct Service, Philanthropy, Community Organizing & Activism, Community-Engaged Learning & Research, Policy & Governance, Social Entrepreneurship, and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Step 2: Complete Direct Service Hours (80)

Direct service hours involve working to address the immediate needs of individuals or communities, often involving direct contact with those served.

Notes:

• Only direct community service should be submitted in Catlife.
• Service can be completed outside Merced, but must include contact info for verification.
• Not Service: Tabling for a fraternity, sorority, or club to recruit members.

Refer to the CEC Calendar, the One-Time Service, the Long-Term Service pages, as well as Signature Opportunities to find volunteer work.

Submit your hours on Catlife — If you don’t know how to submit, visit this guide.

Step 3: Community-Engaged Course

Complete a community-engaged course with a passing grade of C or above. These courses include assignments that benefit the community while enhancing student learning.

Examples of Community-Engaged Courses:

• ENGR 096, 097, 197
• USTU 092
• CRS 010, 100, 195
• SPAN 107, 108, 160
• PH 181
• PSY 156, 191, 196, 115
• MIST 207
• IH 203
• ANTH 170
• GASP 192
• EDUC X304, X306, X313, X400
• NSED 024, 034, 064, 074, 150, 174, 184

If you believe your course qualifies but is not listed, email communityservice@ucmerced.edu.

Step 4: Community-Focused Capstone Project

Develop a project with a clear focus on community engagement. This project can be completed through a previous course or program while at UC Merced - ex. YLP, SSI Internships. If students have not or will not complete a capstone project through a course or program, they can submit a capstone proposal to the CEC at least one semester prior to expected graduation date; once approved, the project can be completed independently or with CEC support.

Example: A student helped a local non-profit launch an anti-vape campaign for rural middle school students by creating a website and social media campaign. The project lasted 6 months and included a survey to measure impact.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Once you have completed all the requirements (Steps 1-4), fill out the formal application for the Public Service & Leadership Certificate. The CEC will verify your information and confirm your completion of all requirements.

Make sure you have completed all previous steps before submitting your application.