About Us

Developed by the Volunteer Action Center in 2015, the Student Engagement program serves as a bridge between University of Arkansas students and the Northwest Arkansas community. Through several initiatives, the Student Engagement program offers short-term volunteer opportunities to connect with various organizations in the community, creating a stronger and more holistic bond with the Northwest Arkansas community.

Our Initiatives

Freshman Service Program

Overseen by an incoming freshman, the Freshman Service Program was created to connect new University of Arkansas students with the VAC and service opportunities within the Northwest Arkansas community through monthly service projects.

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Find Your Impact

Find Your Impact (FYI) is a series of in-person, online, or hybrid sessions that invite on-campus RSOs and agencies doing good in the Northwest Arkansas community to share their mission and provide University of Arkansas students opportunities to get involved with their organization.

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Get Your 10

GY10 is a membership pipeline initiative developed to encourage students to engage in 10 hours of service each academic school year. By logging 10 or more service hours in GivePulse, students can become members of the VAC.

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Membership Program

By logging 10 or more service hours in GivePulse, you can become a member of the VAC. Members have exclusive access to VAC social and professional development events, merchandise, and the opportunity to craft valuable connections and friendships with others through volunteer service.

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Service Engagement Q&A

Does my VAC membership status rollover to the next school year?

No, you must get 10+ hours of service between April 1st-March 31st of every year to be eligible.

I’m a member of the VACs Hogsync page, is this the same as VAC Membership?

No, you must fill out our form on Hogsync titled VAC Membership Form to be a VAC Member. After logging 10 or more service hours on GivePulse you can become a VAC member. You can apply for membership after logging 10 or more service hours on GivePulse. Click here to fill out the Membership Form.

How do I get my service award?

Fill out the membership form and be approved to automatically receive a service award at the end of the school year.

Do all my hours need to be on GivePulse?

Yes, unless you can show proof of your service via a letter written by the verifier.

Why is my account on hold?

Your account may be on hold because you have not fulfilled the requirements of the application. Make sure ALL of your service hours are verified, or we cannot approve your form.

Are graduation cords based on annual or cumulative service?

Graduation cords are awarded based on your cumulative service.

Who do I contact about service awards and VAC Membership?

Please email vacmem@uark.edu

Annual Events

Scroll to learn more about our events and how you can get involved with RSO’s on campus, connect with agencies within the Northwest Arkansas community, and engage in service! You can register for these events on GivePulse!

Make a Difference Day

Make a Difference Day is a single day of service in the Northwest Arkansas community for all UARK students. The Service Engagement team plans this day, partnering with local organizations to provide one-time service opportunities for students.

In 2024, over 700 students came together to contribute over 1,500 volunteer service hours.

Make a Difference Day 2025 will take place on Saturday, October 4^th! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information on submitting your agency’s service project, applications to serve as a Project Leader and general volunteer registrations!

Get Your 10 Week

GY10 is a membership pipeline initiative developed to encourage students to engage in 10 hours of service in an academic school year.

GY10 Week takes place during the spring semester and consists of educational programming, fun volunteer events, and collaborations with VAC’s signature programs, providing students with the opportunity to learn about agencies doing good in the Northwest Arkansas community while engaging in service and becoming eligible for VAC membership!