Since there are differences in some word use between this website and the PESTLE Presence portal, here is a brief guide for your reference:

Getting Started

First:

Choose a service opportunity from our Organization page or Event page on the PESTLE Opportunities Portal (Presence) – access the portal through the link above.

• Some events on the PESTLE Opportunities Portal (Presence) are set to last a week and you have the choice of which day you want to attend. Please indicate in your student hours submission(s) which day(s) you actually attended.
• Some ongoing opportunities may require multiple service events for that community partner.
• You can search events based on tags such as one-time, ongoing, etc.

Second:

Register for the service event(s) and contact the organizer.

• View the specific event page, note any pertinent information in the description, click the registration form if applicable, and sign up.

Third:

For all events that you participate in, you must track and submit your student hours via a form.

• This form is accessible in the portal as Apply for Opportunity (Service Hours).

Notes:

• If a student (or student organizations) would like PESTLE to review activities outside of  Penn Engineering Community Partner Led  or Penn Partner organizations sponsored service events, please complete this form.
• Students will have to complete a feedback form at the conclusion of their service for one-time and/or ongoing events.

Register for upcoming orientation sessions here: https://pestle.seas.upenn.edu/pestle-info-sessions-and-orientations/

For service opportunities where volunteers work with minors, clearances are required. When registering for a service opportunity or event, please indicate that it requires work with minors. We will be in touch to assist you with obtaining proper clearances with our university partners.

Submitting your student engagement hours is simple and through an online form on the PESTLE Engagement portal under forms.   You can also submit your student hours for each approved community engagement event here: Apply Opportunity – Service Hours

1. Complete the RSVP link on the specific activity.
   • Please note:
     • Some events on the PESTLE Opportunities Portal (Presence) are set to last a week and you have the choice of which day you want to attend. Please indicate in your student hours submission(s) which day(s) you actually attended.
     • Some ongoing opportunities may require multiple service events for that community partner.
     • You can search events based on tags such as one-time, ongoing, etc.
2. Complete Orientation, if required for the activity.
   • Note all Penn Engineering sponsored service opportunities requires orientation.
3. Complete background checks and clearances as applicable for the activity.
   • If required, we will assist in obtaining clearances with university partners.
   • Any activity with minors  require clearances.
4. Engage, engage!  Once you have completed the above start your engagement opportunity.
5. Track student hours and give us feedback.
   • Submit your student hours for each approved community engagement event here: Apply for Opportunity – Service Hours
   • Note that all forms can be accessed on the PESTLE Engagement portal under “forms”.

Penn Partner Sponsored Activity

If you are interested in an engagement opportunity with one of our Penn Partners:

1. Sign up with them directly.
   • Note the contact as listed on our portal.
   • Please reach out early, as volunteer slots may fill up.
2. Track your student hours and submit via our online form.
   • Submit your student hours for each approved community engagement event here: Apply for Opportunity – Service Hours
   • Note that all forms can be accessed on the PESTLE Engagement portal under “forms”.

If a student has engaged (or will engage) in an activity on their own and want to count it towards service hours, please follow the steps below.

Note: Approval will be at the discretion of PESTLE staff.  Review may take up to seven (7) business days.

Start by:

1. Completing the Penn Engineering Student Activity (or Student Orgs) Review Request here
2. If approved:
   1. Track your student hours.
   2. You will be required to complete a feedback form at the end of your service experience.
   3. PESTLE may also require feedback from the Independent Activity Contact.