PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

By participating in the Rural Student Project, students commit to a year-long engagement. Eligibility requires students to be admitted and enrolled as full-time undergraduate students beyond their freshman year. Throughout this duration, participants are expected to actively partake in mandatory volunteering events organized by the program and fulfill at least 40 hours of community service per semester. Additionally, they are required to maintain enrollment in at least 15 credit hours at the University of New Mexico and uphold a GPA of at least 2.0. These criteria ensure that participants contribute actively to the program, fulfill their academic obligations, and simultaneously support rural communities while advancing their educational pursuits.

Moreover, students must attend one workshop at El Centro de La Raza, one orientation session, and two check-ins with the Program Coordinator to track their progress. Additionally, participation in two team bonding sessions is mandatory. These structured activities provide essential guidance and foster camaraderie among participants, enriching their overall experience in the program.

SPECIAL NOTES

It is essential for students to understand that the scholarship disbursement is contingent upon the completion of their 40 hours of volunteering and attendance at three (3) events organized by RSP. Attendance at orientations and signing the contract at the semester’s outset are mandatory. We urge students to adhere to all deadlines and meet program requirements diligently. To ensure accountability, students are required to submit their volunteering hours’ progress by updating the volunteer log and meet with the Program Coordinator twice throughout the semester at a specified time frame.

SEMESTER SCHEDULE

Week 1

Thursday, August 29th:

Fall Orientation: 3:30pm-5:00pm @ CAMP Office

Attendance is mandatory for the orientation session. We will discuss participation expectations and upcoming events.

Week 3

Friday, September 6th:

Timeline Deadline – Must be sent to rsproject@unm.edu by 11:59pm

Students will submit their individual timelines outlining their planned activities for the 40-hour volunteering hours.

Week 4:

Saturday September 14th – Sunday, September 15th:

Attendance is mandatory for this camping trip and will count as one of the three team bonding requirements. All expenses will be covered by the program and details will be discussed during orientation.

Week 6

Thursday, September 26th – Friday September 27th:

Students will need to schedule a 30-minute appointment with the Program Coordinator to check-in regarding their volunteering hours and discuss any questions or concerns.

Saturday, September 28th:

9:00am – 12:00pm

Ronald McDonald- Students are required to attend the event at the Ronald McDonald. This is the mandatory volunteering services provided by RSP.

Week 9

Wednesday, October 16th:

Optional team bonding activity. Details to be announced at orientation.

Saturday, October 19th:

9:00am – 12:00pm

Ronald McDonald- Students are required to attend the event at the Ronald McDonald. This is the mandatory volunteering services provided by RSP.

Week 11

Wednesday, October 30th:

Optional team bonding activity. Details to be announced at orientation.

Saturday, November 2nd:

9:00am – 12:00pm

Ronald McDonald- Students are required to attend the event at the Ronald McDonald. This is the mandatory volunteering services provided by RSP.

Week 13

Thursday, November 14th – Friday, November 15th:

Students will need to schedule a 30-minute appointment with the Program Coordinator to check-in regarding their volunteering hours and discuss any questions or concerns.

Saturday, November 16th:

9:00am - 12:00pm

Ronald McDonald- Students are required to attend the event at the Ronald McDonald. This is the mandatory volunteering services provided by RSP.

Week 15

Friday, November 29th:

Students must complete 40 hours of community service by this deadline. Students must also submit a presentation that showcases their experiences and learning outcomes from volunteering and community engagement.

Volunteering log and presentation will be due by 11:59pm and must be sent to rsproject@unm.edu.

Week 16

Wednesday, December 4th:

2:30pm-4:00pm @ CAMP Office

Students will be presenting their projects to the rest of the cohort. Attendance is mandatory and students will need to schedule their timeslot ahead of time.

Spring Orientation

Spring Orientation will happen on the first Saturday of the first week of the semester. Students are required to attend the orientation. Volunteering and important deadline dates will be announced closer to the end of the Fall semester.