Frequently Asked Questions
Unlocking Knowledge: Your FAQ Companion
What are the benefits of earning ACES recognition?
ACES benefit you by strengthening your competitive advantage with employers, by developing your resume through service experience entries, and by telling future employers that you have applied critical skills, insights, and knowledge while serving your community and university! ACES also allow you to develop a greater sense of personal efficacy, identity, and development.
What kinds of activities earn ACES?
ACES benefit you by strengthening your competitive advantage with employers, by developing your resume through service experience entries, and by telling future employers that you have applied critical skills, insights, and knowledge while serving your community and university! ACES also allow you to develop a greater sense of personal efficacy, identity, and development.
What are Aces?
ACES are flexible and many different activities will allow you to earn the ACES recognition. Many of you are already active volunteers in your communities. ACES can be earned by reporting on these activities and reflecting on the value of the experience both academically and personally. These activities could include direct service like tutoring, serving meals, or volunteering in other capacities. Think about activities you participate in that support your community.
Will pursuing ACES impact my financial aid and program credit hours?
Purdue Global’s Community Engagement Service Learning program is not curriculum-driven and therefore financial aid and overall credits earned are not impacted. The program seeks to recognize the volunteer work PG students are doing in their communities and at PG.
What GPA do I need to have to apply for ACES?
ACES are not GPA-dependent or restricted. No minimum GPA is required.
What guidelines are there for earning ACES recognition?
Your community engagement service-learning activities must occur during the time you are a student enrolled at PG. Your service may be in your primary field of study, or in any other field! That is where the flexibility of ACES is especially valuable. Finally, service-learning occurs most effectively when reflection takes place; your submissions for recognition must include a reflective piece that meets guidelines outlined in the handbook and on PG190, the information site.
Will I have time to earn ACES?
We know you are busy! Your time is at a premium, and you are focused, schedule-driven, and goal-oriented. Unlike more traditional students who attend ground-based colleges and universities, most PG students are here with a clear plan! Our ACES program strives to meet you where you are and to recognize activities you are already involved in. We hope, too, that once you experience the value of community engagement, you will seek out additional opportunities!
Can I use my work in PG clubs and organizations to earn ACES?
Absolutely! Purdue Global has numerous clubs, honor societies, and student associations. Participation in any of these clubs and organizations can earn you ACES points! The number of points available to you would depend on the role you play within the organization, and the number of years you are active.
Is there a list of Purdue Global volunteer organizations for me to follow?
One of the best things about our ACES initiative is its flexibility! We want to recognize student engagement where it happens, which means in your own community. Any volunteer work you do during the time you are a student at PG can earn you ACES!
How much does it cost to apply for ACES?
There is no cost for Purdue Global students to participate in the ACES initiative. We simply want to recognize the great volunteer work our students are doing in their communities.
What activities do not qualify for ACES?
ACES emphasize volunteer, philanthropic work so no activities that earn compensation may be used for ACES applications. Students enrolled in clinical activities that are credit-bearing may not apply for ACES based on those activities.
How do I get started?
Once you are ready to apply for ACES, please complete the Google form under the Contact tab! You will be enrolled in PG190 – Community Engagement & Service Learning, a resource site that will guide you through the application process.