Springfield, Ohio -

As one of the pioneers in establishing a community service requirement for students to graduate, Wittenberg University joined other liberal arts institutions by signing the Presidents' Declaration on the Civic Responsibility of Higher Education on Sept. 13. The Declaration was developed in 1999, and since that time Campus Compact presidents have been showing their commitment to civic responsibility by embracing the principles set forth through teaching and by establishing actions on campus that support the entire community. President Baird Tipson signed the Declaration in the presence of Dick Kinsley, executive director of Ohio Campus Compact, and Torie Front, associate director of Ohio Campus Compact.

Campus Compact representives and Kristen Collier, Wittenberg's director of community service, witness President Baird Tipson as he signs declaration.

Entering its second decade of requiring community service, Wittenberg offers a variety of special off-campus opportunities serving many local agencies for children, the elderly, the environment, literacy, youth mentoring, or the physically challenged. Believing students should gain an understanding of the role, responsibility and challenge of service in community life, Wittenberg requires students to complete 27 hours of community service and three hours of reflection on the experience in order to graduate. Involvement in this unique and innovative program benefits the Springfield community and enriches students' lives.