United in Strength: Academic Credit for Volunteer Work in Response to the Pandemic
Now more than ever before, community and social service is valuable and indispensable, particularly in lieu of the pandemic: We can only overcome this crises by pulling together. However, even before the pandemic, the JKU took steps to recognize volunteer work, giving students up to 4 ECTS credits for volunteer work in emergency rescue and firefighting services. A new program, "Volunteer Service SARS-CoV-2", was introduced last Summer Semester. For the time being, the course will not be offered during the 2022/2023 Winter Semester!
Academic Credit for Volunteer Work in the Fight Against Covid-19
If you have questions, send an e-mail to: vizerektor-lehre(at)jku.at
Please include "Volunteer SARS-CoV-2/Ehrenamt SARS-CoV-2" in the subject line.
If you are working at a corresponding organization (whether it be a hospital, government or public office/agency, or the Red Cross) to help assist in response to the pandemic, you can earn 1 ECTS credit for each 20 hours of verified service (maximum 5 ECTS credits).
Requirements to Earn Academic Credit
You can earn academic credit under the "Ehrenamt SARS-CoV-2 / Honorary SARS-CoV-2" program the corresponding organization provides confirmation during the 2022 Summer Semester (beginning of March 2022 to the end of September 2023). The letter of confirmation must include:
• letterhead by the issuing organization
• the student's name and student ID number
• a description of the services provided
• the period in which services were carried out
• the extent of services provided in hours
• a stamp and signature by an authorized representative at the organization
Once service is completed, those volunteering at the Red Cross of Upper Austria or at the Kepler University Hospital can obtain a letter of confirmation at either the Red Cross or at the Kepler University Hospital.
Some examples of potential organizations
Submission
To submit the letter of confirmation, please enroll in the corresponding Moodle course (see link below).
Upload the letter of confirmation as part of this course. Once all of the requirements have been fulfilled, you will be added to the course in KUSSS and will receive the respective academic credit.