CAS Hours

Creativity, action, service is known by its acronym CAS and is a fundamental part of the diploma curriculum. The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a refreshing counterbalance to the academic self-absorption some may feel within a demanding school program. Participation in theater productions, sports and community service activities encourages young people to share their energies and special talents while developing awareness, concern and the ability to work cooperatively with others. The goal of educating the whole person fostering a more compassionate citizenry comes alive in an immediate way when students reach beyond themselves and their books.

CAS is a 75-hour (total) requirement for the freshman/sophomore years and a 150-hour (total) requirement for the junior and senior years, which allows students to get involved in nonacademic activities. The activities serve either a need in a community or the environment, or expand the student's understanding of the world as expressed through an activity. The basic question to be asked to ascertain the propriety of an activity for CAS is: "Whose needs are being met?" The answer must be a needy individual, community, or the environment. "Need" is defined by the social definition, not by "My mother really needs to have these copies made for her business." CAS activities include: band, chorus, drama, Mu Alpha Theta, volunteering at hospitals, nursing homes, elementary school extended day care programs, Habitiat for Humanity, public libraries, plus a multitude of creatively conceived projects.

Creativity should be interpreted as imaginatively possible to cover the widest range of arts and other activities, which include creative thinking by the individual student in designing and carrying out service projects. Typical examples are playing in a jazz band or participating in a drama production, but so is a creative solution to a problem fulfilling the "need" definition. (Freshman/Sophomores need approximately 25 hours in creative hours; Juniors/Seniors need approximately 50 hours.)

Action includes participation in sports, physical training, hiking, canoeing and dance. It may include the active production of a project for creativity or service; therefore, one does not need to sweat to claim action hours. (Freshman/Sophomores need approximately 25 hours in action hours; Juniors/Seniors need approximately 50 hours.)

Service is the giving of time and oneself to address a need within the school, local, national or international community; or on behalf of the environment. Service activities should not only involve doing things for others, but also doing things with others and developing a real commitment with them. The relationship should thus show respect for others' dignity and self-respect. (Freshman/Sophomores need approximately 25 hours in service hours; Juniors/Seniors need approximately 50 hours.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Download CAS Forms

Copyright © 2000 UHS I.B. Program. All rights reserved.

If you have any suggestions or complaints e-mail the webmaster at: Click Here.