Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2015

Thesis Director

Dena R. Kniess

Abstract

A comparison of mandated and altruistic volunteers that completed community service hours was conducted. Participants were enrolled at a mid-sized, mid-Western university. T-test and correlational analysis were conducted on data gathered through the Community Service Attitudinal Scale (2000). The data was used to compare and contrast the characteristics of mandated and altruistic volunteers. Mandated volunteers (M = 5.73, SD = 1.40) reported feeling like they were not making as much of an impact performing community service compared to altruistic volunteers (M = 6.61, SD = 1.17) at significance level (t(72) = 2.88, p< 0.01). Altruistic (M=6.25, SD=1.35) and mandated (M=6.07, SD=1.35) volunteers did not report a significant (t(70) = 0.55, p = 0.52) difference of satisfaction in their community service experience. Altruistic volunteers (M = 6.49, SD = 1.34) reported being more likely to volunteer again in the future then mandated volunteers (M = 5.71, SD = 1.58) at significance level (t(70) = 2.34, p = .01). Recommendations for student affairs professionals include creating environments where volunteers recognize the impact they have on the community and facilitating reflection. A final recommendation is for civic engagement offices to collaborate with student organizations, academic departments, and student affairs offices.

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