West Virginia University students will be doing some spring cleaning, painting, yard work and other revitalization projects during this year’s Week of Engagement.

The week, held April 9-15, is designed to showcase service and engagement on campus. Throughout the week, students and student organizations will participate in large-scale service projects that benefit the community.

“The week serves a dual purpose: it is an opportunity to remind the WVU and Morgantown communities about volunteer opportunities, while shining a spotlight on WVU’s commitment to civic engagement,” said Kristi Wood-Turner, interim program director at WVU’s Center for Civic Engagement.

As in past years, student organizations will compete in The Challenge to see who can complete the most community service in a week. Organizations can pre-register online at http://cce.wvu.edu/woechallenge .

Past winners include the Student Health Advisory Board, Beta Theta Pi, Alpha Xi Delta and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

The center will be holding several ENGAGE Service Projects, beginning on Saturday, April 9. The projects include spring cleaning at Morning Glory Ministries; painting and yard work at Arnettsville Community Association; revitalization projects with Sunnyside Up; Easter basket preparation for the United Way; grounds cleaning at Old Hemlock; and window washing at Arthurdale Heritage, among many others.

A complete list is available online at: http://cce.wvu.edu/woeprojects .

The Center for Civic Engagement is also joining with the Mountaineer Parents Club and the Student Government Association to sponsor the annual Heart Walk to benefit the Student Memorial Scholarship. The walk takes place on Saturday, April 9 at 3 p.m. Participants can pre-register at http://simpleforms.scripts.wvu.edu/parents/HeartWalk2011/.

For the first time, the center will be presenting the Excellence in Civic Engagement Awards. The awards will recognize one student, faculty, and community member for their dedication and commitment to engagement. The awards will be presented at a special event held at Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa on April 14.

“Our students and staff do a tremendous amount of work in our community,” Wood-Turner said. “The center would like to show its appreciation for their contributions and encourage other students to become more civically engaged.”

The week is sponsored by the WVU Center for Civic Engagement, and co-sponsored by the Student Government Association, WECAN Recyling, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, WVU Student Affairs and Coca-Cola.

For more information, visit the Week of Engagement website at: http://cce.wvu.edu/woe .

-WVU-

cd/03/29/11

CONTACT: Brett White, Center for Civic Engagement
304-293-8761, Brett.White@mail.wvu.edu