Community Action & Volunteerism

OVCS works to advance student development while working in partnership with the local community to build a healthier and more just society. Creating active and effective citizens who work well within diverse environments is a central mission of the liberal arts education. OVCS is a department within the Dean of the College Division and connected to the Dean of the Faculty Division through community/service learning. Through the OVCS programs students develop frameworks for systems analysis and build a range of organizing and problem solving skills. Connecticut College students work each year in organizations, agencies and institutions in the economically and racially diverse city of New London. They engage in vital issues addressing education, economic and community development, culture and health challenges. Over 500 students participate in the OVCS community action and volunteer placements and link their education to personal and professional interests, experiential and community/service learning opportunities, and to complete work-study allocations.