Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of the most common questions regarding C.A.S. I hope this information
is useful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me for help
throughout the program:

1. Where can I find volunteer opportunities and/or suggestions for appropriate
activities to fulfill each of the required components? It is the responsibility of the
C.A.S. Coordinator to assist student with the completion of this component of the
diploma. Make an appointment to see your C.A.S. Coordinator.
2. Is it possible to split hours for anyone activity between two or more of the C.A.S.
components? Yes, you may split the hours, as appropriate. However, you may not
double count hours. You must also provide a separate reflection, hour/date log and
supervisor's report appropriate for the given components.
3. May I count all hours for school sports? No. You may not count hours for any
activity performed during regular school hours. Routine hours of practice may not be
counted either. However, you may count all hours, outside of regular school hours for
any additional practice time for club sports, personal training and any hours beyond
district play. You may also count all hours of play for games and tournaments.
4. May I count volunteer opportunities provided by my church or temple? The IB
 does not allow students to receive credit for any activities that involve
"proselytizing"; however, you may count any other activities completed as part of your
youth group. i.e. community service, summer camp for younger children, etc. If you have
a question, please see the C.A.S. Coordinator.
5. May I count any hours for services for which I am paid? No. You may not count
hours for activities for which you receive financial compensation.
6. May I count hours for any activities completed as part of my m course work? No.
You may not count hours for any activities for which you receive course credit.
7. May I count hours from travel or study abroad programs? Yes. However, you may
not count travel time, meal times nor sleep/rest time. You may count all course work,
tours and cultural exchanges related to travel. * A random family vacation to Hawaii
does not count. Please seek prior approval if you are uncertain as to the validity of the
program.
8. How in depth do the reflections have to be? Each reflection should address the
questions listed on the "Reflection Guidelines" provided in your C.A.S. packet.
Reflections should not simply state the completion of an activity and the total hours spent
on its completion. Please proof read your reflections for spelling and grammar mistakes
before turning them in.

9. How in depth do the Supervisor Reports have to be? Your Supervisor Reports
should be similar to your reflections. The supervisor or activity leader should address the
same questions listed on the "Reflection Guidelines" found in your C.A.S. packet. Please
be sure to have the supervisor include his/her phone number in the report. When
available, you may also include a copy of a certificate proving successful completion of
the activity.
10. May I count personal, individualized activities such as weight training, jogging,
cycling, voice lessons, piano lessons, etc.? Yes. However, the activity must reflect a
purpose and goal. Also, you have to write a reflection, record your hours and include a
supervisor's report. Remember parents cannot serve as your supervisor without
prior approval.
11. Who writes the supervisor's report for personal or individualized activities? You
must have prior approval to use a relative or friend as a supervisor; however, you might
ask your trainer, instructor or coach. Remember they should address the same questions
listed on the "Reflections Guidelines" found in your C.A.S. packet.
12. Should I wait until my senior year to begin writing my reflections, hour/date logs
and gathering the supervisor reports? No. You should complete each reflection,
hour/date log and request the supervisor's report as soon as you complete any given
activity. This will save you time and stress your senior year!
13. When can I begin to work on the C.A.S. component of the diploma? You may
begin to record activities the summer following your sophomore year. Seniors should
turn in their final C.A.S. folder by the last week of January.
14. May I tum in reflections, hour/date logs and supervisor reports as they are
completed? Absolutely. You are encouraged to tum in completed report to the C.A.S.
Coordinator as you finish them. The C.A.S. Coordinator will file your reports in your
folder in the IB office. Please do not drop papers off on the coordinator's desk or in his
box. Be sure that all papers are given to the CAS coordinator in person.
15. What do I do if I have doubts, concerns or questions? Make an appointment to
see the C.A.s. Coordinator. The C.A.S. Coordinator is here to help you! Only the
C.A.S. Coordinator may approve an activity for the C.A.S. You may email me during
holidays or breaks at mgutowsk@houstonisd.org
16. Is it possible to receive the IB diploma if I fail to complete the C.A.S.
component? No. C.A.S. is a required component of the diploma program.