DukeEngage | Duke Center for Civic Engagement

DukeEngage FAQs

Where can I find the application for DukeEngage?

The online application can be accessed by selected the APPLY button in the upper right-hand portion of the DukeEngage site.

What criteria are considered for acceptance into a DukeEngage program?

Beyond a solid, well-constructed application that demonstrates a clear understanding of a program’s requirements and expectations, or an individual project proposal that clearly meets the established needs of a community partner, students must honor the application deadline, and be in good academic and disciplinary standing.  Because post-experience reflection and sharing with others in the Duke community is a central tenet of the DukeEngage philosophy, the program is restricted to applications from first-year students, sophomores and juniors who plan to return to campus following their DukeEngage experience.  In-person interviews may also be part of the application process.  Applications for individual projects require consultation with and the approval of a faculty mentor.  Applications that involve research on human subjects may need the approval of the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

To how many programs can a student apply?

A student may apply for one individual project or up to two group programs.  If applying for two group programs, one must be a program that involves substantial service to a community within the United States.  Separate applications must be submitted for each program.

What types of civic engagement activities may students applying for an individual project pursue?

Past projects have ranged from working with children or the elderly to focusing on service tied to global health or the environment.  Ultimately, a student’s individual project must focus on meeting an identified need in collaboration with an established community partner.  DukeEngage funding will not subsidize academic research activities that do not involve substantial community engagement.  A partial listing of this past year’s individual projects can be found at http://dukeengage.duke.edu/immersion/individual.

If I’m interested in a project that takes place internationally, what considerations should be given?

Duke has developed a list of nations where students cannot travel.
Students will also need to have a passport valid for six months beyond the end of the program to which they are applying.

Can several students apply to volunteer with the same community partner together?

Yes, however, each student must submit his/her own application, and each application will receive separate consideration.

Can students create their own group programs?

Group programs (6 or more students) must be administered by a Duke faculty or staff member.  Up to 5 students may apply for the same individual project

How many times can a student participate in a DukeEngage program?

A student is eligible to receive DukeEngage funding once during his or her tenure at Duke.  Only students receiving funding from DukeEngage may participate in one of its programs.

What costs will DukeEngage cover?

Students doing individual projects will be funded based on the cost of living in their host community. All program-related expenses are covered for group projects.  Expenses which will be covered by DukeEngage may include: travel, food, vaccinations, housing, incidentals, and, in some cases, basic project materials.  Participants receiving need-based financial aid will receive a summer earnings waiver.

How long are DukeEngage programs?

All students must participate in DukeEngage for a minimum of eight weeks. All group programs are at least eight weeks long. Students may design individual projects for up to one year.

Do programs have specific start and end dates?

Each group program will have its own start and end dates required
of all participants; however, not all group programs will start and end on the same date. Start and end dates for individual projects are left to the discretion of the student and community partner.

How many students can participate in a group program?

In general, group programs will include 10-30 students.  The size of specific program sites will depend on the scope of the project.

Are there prerequisites or language requirements for group programs?

DukeEngage staff and program faculty determine language or other prerequisite coursework requirements.  All group project descriptions will list in detail such requirements.

I'd like to create an individual project to pursue during an entire semester. When should I apply?

Students who would like to develop an individual project that will take place at anytime during the 2009-10 academic year will need to apply by January 23, 2009.  Please plan to visit with a DukeEngage staff advisor on designing this kind of experience.

How can I learn more about specific group programs?

Throughout the year, DukeEngage will hold information programs related to specific group sites. Notifications will be placed on our web site and via the DukeEngage listserv.

When will DukeEngage offer the required civic engagement training?

Upon being accepted to DukeEngage, a student is required to participate in intensive DukeEngage training, which will take place May 4-6, 2009. Students must participate in training as a prerequisite to joining a DukeEngage program.