Maximizing Community Impact (1 Credit) | Offered Every Fall 
Maximizing Community Impact is an Honors course that helps students in the process of becoming a more engaged member in the community. This course examines the various foundational components of community service. During this semester, students will explore conceptual ideas of service and apply these concepts with community partners to carry out an applied service-learning opportunity. Students will also collaboratively explore an applied case study within Honors.

Research Service-Learning Project (2 Credits) | Offered Every Spring
Research Service-Learning Project is an experiential course that will expose students to the complexity of various service-focused issues in Pocatello, Idaho. Students will learn about different organizations who address these issues and have the opportunity to serve as volunteers within them. Through service-learning, students will carry out data gathering, research, and personal reflections to capture their experiences in addressing these various issues. 

Civic Scholars Capstone (1 Credit) | Offered Every Fall & Spring Semester
Honors Service Capstone provides students with in-depth mentorship in carrying out their data analysis of the organization’s needs, extrapolating themes from those needs, researching the literature to see how other organizations have gone about addressing those needs, and then providing a proposal and plan of action for their partner organization. This preparation course will also provide students with guidance on their capstone presentation. This includes the development of their final slideshow and presentation skills.

Q1.  If I pursue the Civic Scholars Program, am I still able to earn my Honors Distinction or Degree?

A1. Absolutely! All honors students must complete an Honors Distinction or Honors Degree. The Civic Scholars Program serves as a way to augment student’s honors curriculum through a service-focused program.

Q2.  When can I complete service hours? Do hours count only during the Fall or Spring semesters?

A2. Service hours can be counted during spring, summer, fall, and winter break. Hours completed in the Fall or Spring semesters must be submitted during finals week of that semester. Hours completed during winter or summer breaks must be submitted the week before classes start of the upcoming academic semester

Q3.  When can hours with a partner organization start to count?

A3. Students wanting to graduate as a Civic Scholars Program before Spring 2026 may begin to log hours after a meeting with the Civic Scholars Program Coordinator to understand policies and procedures. For students graduating as a Civic Scholar Program after Spring 2026, students are then able to begin logging their service hours when they have completed HONS 3302. Please email the Civic Scholars Program Coordinator for any questions or concerns!

Q4.  I am graduating before the Spring of 2026 and I am really interested in this program! Can service hours be counted retroactively?

A4. Yes, for students graduating in Spring 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Fall 2026, we would be able to go back and count hours that were previously completed. This is to provide the opportunity to students who have already completed much of the necessary work. Field notes will not be required for retroactive hours but a confirmation from the service representative will be required. Students must meet with the Civic Scholars Program Coordinator to add course requirements to their academic plan of study!

Q5.  What happens if I am having a bad service experience and would like to switch my site? Do I need to start my hours over?

A5. If at least 100 hours of the required service are left, a student may switch to a different service partner if there is an issue with the organization. Students will be able to count the previous hours of service. Students will use the field notes and data gathered from the culminating experience for their presentation and reflection.

Q6.  Can I be paid for my service?

A6. No, for this track we are specifically looking for volunteer service provided to a community partner organization.

Q7.  Can service be provided to a for-profit organization?

A7. Absolutely, as long as the organization has a demonstrated need for volunteer service, a history of working with volunteers, and has been reviewed by their advising coordinator. (EXAMPLE: Volunteer service at an assisted living home where a student develops patient care skills)

Q8.  What type of organizations are not permitted as a service partner?

A8. Any organization that does not 1) have a demonstrated need for volunteers, 2) a history of working with volunteers, or 3) that does not pass the review of the Civic Scholars Program Coordinator.

Q9.  Does digital service count?

A9. Absolutely, as long as the Civic Scholars Program Coordinator can make contact with the organization’s representative for onboarding and communication purposes.

Q10.  What do I get for completing this track?

A10. Students will receive an academic certificate on their transcript and a special stole at the Honors Commencement ceremony to celebrate their achievement.

Q11.  What happens if I falsify or misrepresent my service hours?

A11. The Civic Scholars Coordinator will conduct an investigation to understand the severity of the issue before rendering a decision along with the University Honors Program Director and Leadership Team.