Service Enriched Education (S.E.E.) Frequently Asked Questions

What is the S.E.E. program?
The mission of McMurry University is to provide a Christian liberal arts and professional education that prepares students for a fulfilling life of leadership and service. We truly believe in this mission, and it is important that we practice what we preach. Therefore, we are incorporating a service component into the learning environment here at McMurry. Our faculty and staff have already begun several new service-oriented projects which you will hear more about in the near future. S.E.E. is the student component of this service model, and first-time, full-time freshmen will complete 288 service hours before graduation, which averages out to approximately 2 hours per week during the school year.

Who will be involved in S.E.E.?
All incoming, full-time freshmen and transfer students will be in the inaugural class for the new initiative. This group of students will continue in the program every semester as long as they remain at McMurry as full-time students. Much like the MOVE tablet computer initiative, each new incoming class in future years will be added to the program until eventually, all full-time students will have a service component along with their academic requirements. The program is voluntary for full-time students already enrolled at McMurry prior to the fall 2009 semester.

Why is the program being implemented?
This concept has been discussed for several years, but we feel that in light of the current economic landscape, this is an idea whose time has come. Service in times of prosperity is commendable, but serving in adversity epitomizes the Christian ideal. A number of universities may encourage service, but McMurry will be unique in its emphasis on service as a component of the overall college experience.

What are the benefits of involvement?
McMurry is not simply committed to your degree attainment, but is committed to insuring that your McMurry experience prepares you for career success, civic responsibility, and personal satisfaction. Your service commitment helps you develop personal characteristics like reliability, teamwork and collaboration, initiative and motivation, responsibility/accountability, quality work and communication skills. These qualities will serve you well, no matter what career path you take. In addition, important leadership skills are learned through active involvement in a work environment. Learning to lead is best accomplished through learning to serve. Your service experience will be an invaluable component to your resume. You will have developed an impressive set of credentials to show future employers after you graduate and will give you a competitive edge in your post-graduation job search. In addition, service awards will be given each year, which can be included on your resume in your list of accomplishments.

What is the role of current students?
Service to the university and the community is always of benefit to the individual performing the service. Rewards are both intrinsic and external. We are all members of the McMurry family. Through service to this university, we commit ourselves to McMurry’s prosperity and the well-being of each individual in the McMurry family. Even though our current students are not required to participate, I expect that many of you will want to be involved and will be role models for new students enrolling in the fall. You may already be a seasoned volunteer with other organizations and initiatives on campus, and your hours of service may be applied toward the S.E.E. service requirement.

How do I find out more about the program?
Visit our website at www.mcm.edu/see/ for general information. For specific questions, contact the Office of Counseling and Career Services at (325) 793-4880 or by e-mail at slane@mcm.edu or contact the Office of Financial Aid at (325) 793-4713 or by e-mail at financialaid@mcm.edu.