Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Alumni Service Break?

Many people are familiar with Alternative Spring Break programs that are offered at many universities. These programs partner small groups of students with US and international communities for a purposeful week-long experience designed to connect those students and communities in a way that enhances personal growth and learning, mutual awareness, and community service.

The Alumni Service Break program was created to provide JMU alumni with similar community service-learning experiences in the US and abroad. The Alumni Service Break program is the first and, as far as we know, only program of its kind in the US. It also provides a new way for JMU alumni to reconnect with the university.

What do Alumni Service Break trips do?

ASB trips provide JMU alumni with a very unique, affordable, alternative “vacation” experience they are not likely to find anywhere else. Trip participants meet other alumni from all walks of life, learn about different cultures, and volunteer to work on community projects. In Dominica, for instance, alumni teams have planted trees to curb erosion, initiated a trash collection program, built bookshelves for the community’s library and local schools, taught in the local schools, and assisted in the construction of roads. In addition, groups participate in recreational and cultural activities.

Are international trips offered?

Due to the newness of the program, we’ve so far been limited to offering a single trip to Dominica each year. However, as advertising in the JMU alumni community increases and past participants continue to spread the word about their experiences, we’ve begun to see increased interest for more of these types of trips.

Although many alumni have expressed an interest in participating in this program, some have jobs and family commitments that don’t allow them to just take off and head to the Caribbean for a week. We’re currently seeking interested groups to partner with JMU alumni to work on projects in the US that provide varying levels of flexibility. Some of these projects may be in conjunction with student Alternative Spring Break trips, which would further facilitate student-alumni interactions and networking possibilities.

How much do the ASB trips cost?

The current cost for the Dominica trip is approximately $450-500 plus airfare. The basic trip cost covers housing, meals, ground transportation, entry fees to natural sites, and departure taxes. A small portion of the basic trip cost will be used to purchase materials for community projects to be completed by JMU alumni. Airfares fluctuate throughout the year, and for past trips have ranged from $550-700.

Who leads the ASB trips?

Generally, an alumnus that has participated on a previous trip will serve as the trip leader. This facilitates some continuity between JMU and the community and affords quick introductions and an easier transition of the alumni team into the community. In addition to the trip leader, a learning partner who is an employee of the university also participates on each trip.

How do I sign up to participate on an ASB trip?

It’s easy. Just go to the “Upcoming Alumni Service Trips” page and select one of the available trips. This will lead you to a more detailed description of the trip and at the bottom you can click on a button that will open an electronic interest form that you should complete. The trip leader will contact you to talk more about the trip and answer any additional questions you might have.