Part 3

Find Your Activity

On campus, online, or in your community.

About 5 minutes 3 of 6 in this guide

There are three ways to find a Merit activity. Which one fits best depends on where and how you take this course.

If you're on campus regularly, campus events are the easiest and most connected option, and that's really what Merit is for. If you take your classes online, you can still come to campus events, and there are online, on-demand, and community options too.

Your three paths

On campus

Best for: in-person students, and anyone who can come to campus

Look for the Merit badge on campus flyers and OCTC social media posts.
Check the current listing your instructor posts in Blackboard.
Bring your student ID. Your attendance is recorded on your Merit page.

Proof: none to upload. Include the event name and date in your reflection so it can be checked against the event roster.

Online or on demand

Best for: online students, or anyone whose schedule makes campus events hard

Virtual workshops and on-demand sessions that are approved for Merit.
Options change each semester. See On-Demand Options for what's available now.

Proof: attach a screenshot, confirmation, or certificate of completion.

In your community

Best for: anyone who finds something worthwhile close to home

A community event, workshop, or volunteer opportunity you find yourself.
Get your instructor's approval before you go. Approval isn't given afterward.

Proof: attach brief proof, like a photo, flyer, or confirmation.

Getting a community event approved

Found something on your own? Message your instructor through Blackboard before the event. Include:

The name of the event
The date and where it is
A sentence or two about what it is and why you want to go

Remember, Merit is about something new. Your regular routine, your usual work shifts, and events you'd attend anyway don't count.

Pathfinder Tip

Ask early. If you wait until the day before, your instructor may not see your message in time.

Example: asking for approval

Hi Professor [Last Name],

I'd like to use an event for Merit Activity #2. It's the [event name] at [place] on [date]. It's a [short description], and I want to go because [your reason]. Would this count?

Thank you,
[Your name], FYE 100 section [number]

Proof at a glance

What proof each type of activity needs
Type of activity	What to submit with your reflection
Campus Merit event	No file. Include the event name and date.
Virtual or on-demand	A screenshot, confirmation, or certificate of completion.
Community or off-campus	Approval before the event, then a photo, flyer, or confirmation.

Every submission needs the event name and date, no matter which path you choose.