Based on the by-laws drafted, submitted, and approved during the 2025-26 academic year, these are the guidelines for volunteer hours:

In order to remain a chartered organization in good standing with the GPSG, each chartered organization shall complete 12 verified service hours annually. Organizations may earn hours by participating in:

• GPSG-sponsored events
• GPSG committees, cabinet service, or campus advisory boards
• University-wide events
• Community service projects
• Niner Engage Gallery updates
• Providing volunteers for the Graduate Research Symposium (GRS)

Beginning in Academic Year 2025–2026, organizations may also earn volunteer credit through these new service opportunities:

• For every two fully completed Niner Engage Gallery Album entries—each containing at least eight photos with captions identifying participants and explaining the event’s significance—the organization earns one service hour.

 • For every two organization members who volunteer with the Leadership Circle (GRS planning and execution team), the organization earns one service hour.

Organizations must submit all service documentation through Niner Engage within two weeks of each activity. The GPSG Executive Committee reviews and approves all submissions, and organizations may appeal decisions before the Senate. All submissions are due to the GPSG Secretary via Niner Engage by April 15 of each academic year.

Volunteer hours earned after the deadline of April 15th will apply to the following school year. If an organization does not meet the required hours by the April 15th deadline, their charter will be suspended for the following academic year. If a group completes the required annual volunteer hours corresponding to their organization during the suspension year, the group may re-charter for the next academic year. If a group does not complete the required volunteer points during the suspension year, their charter will be revoked for the following academic year, and the group must apply for a charter as a new group following the one year charter revocation.

SUBMITTING YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS

Volunteer hours must be submitted by each individual organization. On the form, please indicate your GSO, and the GPSG Secretary will attribute the hours to your designated organization.

In accordance with the GPSG By-Laws, the volunteer hours form must be submitted within two weeks of the date that the service was completed. The GPSG Executive Board will approve your submission, or contact you with any questions.