During the 2018-2019 academic year, WVU’s 76 Graduate Fellows served a total of 5,221 volunteer hours, an impact valued at more than $115,000 with 66+ organizations impacted*. In their positions as Graduate Fellows, students are required to complete service hours, but 50% of the students reported more than their minimum required hours of semester service, displaying their commitment to serving the University and greater Morgantown community.
The West Virginia and Regional History Center, Appalachian Prison Book Project, WVU Undergraduate Research, Monongalia County Commission, and Empty Bowls Monongalia were among the organizations that benefited from these service hours.
“We are so proud of the efforts of our graduate fellows,” said Dr. Katherine Karraker, Associate Provost for Graduate Academic Affairs “Not only are they putting forth huge efforts in their scholarly work, but they are also taking the extra time afforded to them by their fellowship to contribute to the community.”
WVU’s Graduate Fellows are a high-achieving group of graduate students who have received funding from the University to complete either doctorate or professional degrees. These fellows are engaged in cutting-edge research activity that contributes to their field and to WVU’s status as an R1 institution.
*The data presented in this article is based on a report compiled by the Center for Service and Learning using verified service hours; the value of volunteer time from independentsector.org; and faculty, student, and community statements.