Frequently Asked Questions
When do REACH Alternative Breaks trips happen? Will I miss any days of class?
REACH trips take place during Fall and Spring break. You won't miss any class; REACH trips do not travel on days where class is still in session.
Who is eligible to go on a REACH trip?
Part-time, full-time, undergraduate, and graduate students of any grade level and ages are able to go on a REACH trip.
How big are the trips/how many people are on each trip?
Trips are generally 10-12 people. There are typically 8 student participants, 2 student trip leaders, and 1 faculty/staff Learning Partner.
How much does it cost to participate in a REACH trip?
A portion of all REACH trips are subsidized by Student Assembly and the Dean of Students. Fundraising and participant fees (historically $150) help to cover the remaining costs for transportation, housing accommodations, site fees, meals, supplies, and t-shirts.
What kind of fundraising opportunities are there?
REACH E-board coordinates a Letter Writing Campaign before the end of the semester. We have also done restaurant profit-sharing fundraisers in the past. Any donations made to REACH are considered tax deductible.
Are scholarship opportunities available?
We want our trips to be accessible to ALL students of Christopher Newport University regardless of financial means. If you are interested in participating and your largest obstacle is the participant fee, please contact us at reach@cnu.edu to set up a time to meet and discuss your options.
How are participants and leaders selected for trips?
Participants are selected based on an blind evaluation of the applicant's essay/short answer responses and trip preference. Similarly, trip leaders are selected based on an evaluation of the applicant's essay/short answer responses and an in-person interview. Things taken into consideration for trip leaders include: previous REACH involvement, creating balanced trip leader pairs, facilitation skills, and a desire to learn.
Can my friends and I be assigned to the same trip?
There is a chance that you could be on the same trip as one of your friends, but specific requests are not accommodated. The quality of a participant's application and trip preference are taken into account first. It's nice to travel with a friend, but this is another opportunity for you to get to know new people, too!
How do we travel to our trip location?
Groups travel to their location via CNU 12-passenger vans driven by a CNU faculty or staff member.
What is the schedule for each day of the trip?
Each day will vary depending on the trip. REACH trips usually consist of 2 travel days and 5 service days. Of those 5 days, you can expect to have full days of service (8 hours) and one half-day of service (4 hours). Hours of service depends on the needs of the community partner. In addition to service, we want you to immerse yourselves in the community and allot time for a cultural activity by visiting a historical site, museum, local restaurant, or festival.
Do the service hours I complete on a REACH trip count toward Service Distinction, PLP, or CHECS/court-mandated requirements?
Yes!
For Service Distinction, a maximum of 40 service hours completed on an alternative break can count toward your 140 hour requirement. Those hours would be counted at your 40 "exploratory hours" and the remaining 100 hours must be completed within the Hampton Roads area and be within your declared service track. All hours must be logged on cnuengage.org.
For PLP, all hours must be included on the end of the year report and logged on cnuengage.org.
For court-mandated requirements, contact us at reach@cnu.edu before going on the trip with any paperwork you'll need completed. We will give you the completed paperwork upon returning to CNU after the trip.