The Currency of Civic Engagement
Frequently Asked Questions
· How do I find volunteer work?
This website provides a list of various opportunities. Click here for useful links. The Volunteer Resource Center is also available to help students find socially productive work.
· What percentage of my grade does this community service account for?
5% of the students total grade
· What happens if I am graduating soon and do not have enough money saved for a retirement plan?
Contact Professor Kaboub for information on how you can save enough DVDs for your retirement.
· What happens if I do not have enough DVDs to pay taxes at the end of the semester?
Be creative! Students who have excessive hours of community service can exchange their extra DVDs with those students who do not have enough to pay taxes . . . perhaps in exchange for a ride to the airport, a used iPod, or U.S. Dollars (must negotiate an exchange rate!).
· What do I need to do if I am under 18 years of age?
All students must complete a liability release form for off-campus work and those under 18 must have the signature of a guardian.
· Can I volunteer with political or religious organizations?
Yes as long as the work provided is aimed at serving the broader community (e.g. soup kitchen) rather than promoting a particular political or religious message.
· Can I use these community service hours toward assigned hours that have been sanctioned to me for a violation of the Student Conduct Policy?
No, community service hours performed under the DVD program may not be counted for any assigned hours that have been sanctioned for a violation of the Student Conduct Policy
· Can taxes be increased in the middle of the semester?
No, tax changes will not change in the middle of the semester. Drew University has the right to increase or decrease taxes in the future and may also devalue the DVD currency.
· Do I need to fill out any forms?
A Student Volunteer Form is required for each time a student performs community service. Liability forms are also required to work off-campus, especially for those students under the age of 18.
· What happens if I miss the final deadline to pay my taxes?
There is nothing we can do after the deadline. The 5% credit is lost.
· Does the DVD program have anything to do with class work?
Yes The DVD program will instigate conversations on GDP, money, taxes, bonds, interest rates, government deficit, national debt, exchange rates, etc.
· Where do I get my DVDs?
DVDs are retrieved by bringing completed Student Volunteer Forms to the DVD Department of Treasury at Smith House 101. The Treasurer, Lydia Feldman, is available at that office to complete the transactions.
· Where do I pay my DVD taxes?
DVD taxes are due to the professors (IRS) by the end of the semester.
· Do I get a receipt when I pay my DVD taxes?
Yes Professors will give you a Tax Receipt, which you should keep for your record.
· Can I pay my DVD taxes in U.S. dollars or some other currency, like euros?
No The DVD administration will only accept DVDs in payment of taxes. Students may create an exchange rate with other students and trade DVDs for other forms of currency.
· Can I pay my Drew Tuition with DVDs?
No But this might be possible in the future.
· Can I use DVDs to buy things from the bookstore or the snack bar?
Probably not, but you can always check with the bookstore and the snack bar.
· Can I deposit my DVDs in my checking account?
Probably not, but you can always check with your bank.
· Can I buy DVD bonds and earn interest on my DVD savings? If so, how much is the interest earned on DVD bonds?
DVD bonds in the amount of 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 can be bought and interest can be earned on that amount. Check the DVD website for current interest rates.
Can I sell my DVD bonds?
Yes a market for DVD bonds can be created to match buyers and sellers of DVD assets.
· What is the DVD retirement plan?
Students with a surplus of DVDs have the opportunity to contribute a minimum of 2,000 DVDs in an Economics DVD Retirement Plan! After students retire (graduate) they will receive a check every semester in the amount of 300 DVDs, which can then be used to hire current Drew students to work with them in their favorite non-profit organization.
· Is the DVD retirement plan for economics majors only?
No any Drew student is able to participate in the DVD program!
· How much does it cost to open a DVD retirement plan?
A minimum of 2,000 DVDs is required to open a retirement account.
· How many DVDs will I receive once I retire?
Once retired, alumni will receive a check in the amount of 300 DVDs per semester.
· Can I perform community service on campus?
Yes special accommodation will be made for students who are unable to do community service off campus, but we highly encourage students to go out into the community to earn DVDs.
· Are there special accommodations for students with a physical disability?
Yes special accommodation will be made to facilitate student participation in community service. Contact the DVD administration for more detail.
If you have any questions about the DVD Program please contact Dr. Fadhel Kaboub at fkaboub@drew.edu or 973-408-3764