What is HallSTARS ?
The HallSTARS! Program is a service learning program for FSU students who will provide direct service within our local communities and receive a living stipend of $500 after completing the requirements of the program during the academic year.
The HallSTARS! Program is a program for FSU students who will provide direct service within our local communities and receive a housing stipend of $500 after completing the following steps:
- Volunteer twice a week at designated site during the academic year
- Complete two special projects a semester
- Attend two student activities a semester, and
- Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher
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Can I participate in the HallSTARS! program and still participate in the Federal work-study program?
Yes, students who are eligible for the Federal Work-Study program can count their work study hours as part of the overall volunteer hours.
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If I leave the program mid-year, will I receive a portion of the education award?
No, the living stipend is based on successful completion of all program requirements.
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Am I required to remain in good academic standing to receive my education award?
You are expected to meet minimum University academic standards, however you may be on academic probation at the end of your first academic year. As long as you have successfully completed the requirements you will receive your stipend.
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How will I receive $500.00 Housing Stipend?
At the end of the academic year, and after successful completion of the program, Exit Forms are complete and the informatioin is processed. The housing stipend is made available only to those students signing their Room and Board Contract and paying their advance deposit for the following academic year.
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After submitting my completed application, when will I hear whether or not I have been accepted into the program?
Applications for the HallSTARS! program are accepted on a rolling admissions basis. Your completed application will be reviewed by the HallSTARS! Advisory Board weekly beginning in May, and spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are officially accepted into the HallSTARS! program only upon confirmation of receipt of their paid advance deposit to FSU.
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Am I required to attend Preview FSU?
Yes, all students accepted into the program must attend any of the six Summer Planning sessions offered during June or July. Students will register for their Service Site and the HallSTARS! Learning Community at this time.
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When would I start the HallSTARS! program?
Traditionally the HallSTARS! program staff brings HallSTARS! members back two days before all other freshman come to FSU. This is done so members can get to know each other before everyone else returns to FSU. This is also done so members can receive the necessary training that is needed to begin their year of service.
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When will I attend site?
HallSTARS! members attend site at different times throughout the week. When you are assigned a site it goes into your schedule just like a class. For example, if you are serving at an After School Program on Monday and Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., your HallSTARS! service site will show up on your schedule in that slot. The advisors for the HallSTARS! program are able to work your schedule so you can get the classes you need and still be able to do your service. There are various service sites available at various times.
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How will I get to my service site?
The HallSTARS! program has three (3) vans that take all members to and from their service site. Members do not have to worry about providing their own transportation.
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What kind of service will I be doing?
The HallSTARS! program has two major objectives, human need and education. If you decide that you want to do service in the area of human need you will serve at the senior center. If you decide you want to do service in the area of education you will serve at one of the many after-school programs as a tutor/mentor/activities facilitator.
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Will I receive training before I start my service?
Yes, all members go through mandatory program training as well as training for their specific site. No member is allowed to engage in service at their site until they have been properly trained.
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If I already have my room assignment, am I still able to switch to Cumberland Hall if I want to join the HallSTARS! program?
Yes you can. Residence Life has to do the room assignments before you attend Summer Planning conference because of billing purposes. Once you decide and are enrolled in the HallSTARS! program, the HallSTARS! program manager will confirm with residence life that you are participating in the HallSTARS! program. At that time you will be placed into a room in Allen Hall with someone of your choice who is in the HallSTARS! program or you will be matched up with someone with similar living habits as you.
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How many people are in the HallSTARS! program?
45 freshman and 10 sophomores can participate in the HallSTARS! program. There are also 10 upper class HallSTARS! members who participate in a similar program geared towards the Upper classmen experience.
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For more information regarding the HallSTARS!, please call 301-687-4210.
