Several outstanding initiatives have been established in the JSU Community Service/Service-Learning (CSSL) Center since its official opening by the Division of Student Life in October 2002.

A listing of the general programs provided by the JSU CSSL Center follows:

Federal Work-Study (FWS) job development, placement and payroll authorization A number of students work at selected community sites where they serve as support staff to earn their work-study allotment.
 
Community service (volunteerism) Students, faculty and staff are recruited to perform a specific service to an individual or group within the community for no remuneration.
 
Service-Learning (course requirement) CSSL Center staff work closely with academic departments or individual faculty members to identify courses that lend themselves to practical application at a community site as part of the course requirement for credit or for experience only.
 
Learning communities Focus groups comprised of students from various academic majors study a particular topic, address a specific issue, and/or resolve a community problem. Students are assigned within freshmen residence halls by academic college to encourage collaboration, teamwork, and group study.
 
Educational Exchange Programs Jackson State recruits one or more students to attend another university with whom it has an exchange agreement typically for one semester. The University of San Francisco – JSU Exchange Agreement is an example of this program.
 
Alternative break Teams of students volunteer to travel to and provide a specific service within a community during Spring Break, a designated weekend or holiday. Travel may be local, national or international.
 
Service Transcript Sponsors of student projects (e.g. advisors to student groups, instructors, and directors) document student participation in volunteer activities, campus leadership positions, internships/co-ops, study abroad and similar activities for inclusion in an official transcript. The transcript is available to the student upon request to accompany applications for graduate school and employment, for example.

The CSSL Center is a clearinghouse of community activities for University students, faculty and staff. Its primary objectives are to promote student civic engagement and to document the service of Jackson State to its various communities. The university is a member of Campus Compact (a national organization) and Break Away, and seeks membership in the National Educational Exchange Program. Programs housed in the Center include AmeriCorps, Jump Start, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Members of the community seeking volunteer or course-related assistance from the University may visit the Center in the Student Life Building (Green Hall) or call (601) 979-1294. Dr. Valerie Shelby serves as Center director.