All students at COA must complete a 40-hour community service requirement prior to their last term of enrollment. We, at COA, strongly feel that community service provides valuable experience as well as personal and educational opportunities that complement each student's studies in Human Ecology. A student can satisfy the requirement through on-campus or off-campus work. On-campus service includes committee membership, planning campus-wide activities such as Earth Day, or working at Beech Hill Farm. Off-campus service includes activities that strengthen the College's ties to the local community such as coaching local athletic teams, working with a historical society, or volunteering at a nursing home. A combination of on-campus and off-campus experiences are encouraged.

The community service must be on a volunteer basis (not for credit or payment) and meet a minimum of 40 hours. Most students have an excess of community-orientated work and ultimately need to decide which experience to use to satisfy the requirement. A form for community service must be completed and submitted to the Internship and Career Services office prior to the last term of enrollment. The registrar will be notified when the student has met the degree requirement.