Frequently Asked Questions

·   How do I find volunteer work?

The Denison Community Association (DCA) and the John W. Alford Center for Service Learning are available to help students find socially productive work. 

·   What percentage of my grade does this community service account for?

5% of the student’s total grade

·   What happens if I am graduating soon and do not have enough money saved for a retirement plan?

Contact Professor Kaboub for information on how you can save enough DVDs for your retirement.

·   What happens if I do not have enough DVDs to pay taxes at the end of the semester?

Be creative!  Students who have excessive hours of community service can exchange their extra DVDs with those students who do not have enough to pay taxes… perhaps in exchange for a ride to the airport, a used iPod, or U.S. Dollars (must negotiate an exchange rate!).

·   Can I volunteer with political or religious organizations?

Yes – as long as the work provided is aimed at serving the broader community (e.g. soup kitchen) rather than promoting a particular political or religious message.

·   Can taxes be increased in the middle of the semester?

No, tax changes will not change in the middle of the semester. Denison University reserves the right to increase or decrease taxes in the future and may also devalue the DVD currency. 

·   Do I need to fill out any forms?

A Student Volunteer Form is required for each time a student performs community service. 

·   What happens if I miss the final deadline to pay my taxes?

There is nothing we can do after the deadline. The 5% credit is lost.  

·   Does the DVD program have anything to do with class work?

Yes – The DVD program will instigate conversations on GDP, money, taxes, bonds, interest rates, government deficit, national debt, exchange rates, etc.

·   Where do I get my DVDs?

DVDs are retrieved by bringing completed Student Volunteer Forms to the DVD Department of Treasury at 212 Higley Hall.  The Treasurer, Judy Thompson, is available to help you get your DVDs.

·   Where do I pay my DVD taxes?

DVD taxes are due to the professors (IRS) by the end of the semester.

·   Do I get a receipt when I pay my DVD taxes?

Yes – Professors will give you a Tax Receipt, which you should keep for your record.

·   Can I pay my DVD taxes in U.S. dollars or some other currency, like euros?

No – The DVD administration will only accept DVDs in payment of taxes.  Students may create an exchange rate for the DVD currency and trade DVDs for other forms of currency.

·   Can I pay my Denison Tuition with DVDs?

No – But this might be possible in the future if the DVD project "gains currency".

·   Can I use DVDs to buy things from the bookstore or the snack bar?

Probably not, but you can always check with the bookstore and the snack bar.

·   Can I deposit my DVDs in my checking account?

Probably not, but you can always check with your bank.

·   Can I buy DVD bonds and earn interest on my DVD savings?  If so, how much is the interest earned on DVD bonds?

DVD bonds in the amount of 50, and 100 can be bought and interest can be earned on that amount. Check the DVD website for current interest rates.

Can I sell my DVD bonds?

Yes – a market for DVD bonds can be created to match buyers and sellers of DVD assets.

·   What is the DVD retirement plan?

Students with a surplus of DVDs have the opportunity to contribute a minimum of 2,000 DVDs in an Economics DVD Retirement Plan!  After students “retire” (graduate from Denison) they will receive a check every semester in the amount of 300 DVDs, which can then be used to “hire” current Denison students to work with them in their favorite non-profit organization.

·   Is the DVD retirement plan for economics majors only?

No – any Denison student is able to participate in the DVD program!

·   How much does it cost to open a DVD retirement plan?

A minimum of 2,000 DVDs is required to open a retirement account.

·   How many DVDs will I receive once I retire?

Once retired, alumni will receive a check in the amount of 300 DVDs per semester.

·   Can I perform community service on campus?

Yes – special accommodation will be made for students who are unable to do community service off campus, however, we highly encourage students to go out into the community to earn DVDs.

·   Are there special accommodations for students with a physical disability?

Yes – special accommodation will be made to facilitate student participation in community service. Contact the DVD administration for more detail.

If you have any questions about the DVD Program please contact Dr. Fadhel Kaboub at kaboubf@denison.edu or 740-587-6315