Service at NCCU is broken down into three distinct areas: Community Service, Service Learning, and One Time Events. All three count towards the graduation requirement for community service, but there are differences.

Community Service - is the generalized term used to describe service performed for the benefit of the community by a volunteer.

Service Learning - is also considered Community Service, but with a special distinction of being related to coursework at NCCU from a professor or organization where a significant amount of learning is achieved. Most Service Learning also has a component called reflection that enhances the service experience by intentionally provoking dialogue/discussion about what the participant learned.

One Time Events - can be considered both Community Service or Service Learning, but only occur during a span of a day or two. Typically, these events have been Blood Drives, Walk-a-Thons, and Highway Clean-ups, but vary month by month.