Perhaps you've heard about National Student Day, but still have questions or aren't sure where to start. Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers. We hope this helps you prepare to join the celebration on Oct. 3!

What is National Student Day?

It is a day that college stores across North America have created to recognize and encourage volunteerism and social responsibility among the college students they serve. National Student Day is celebrated through a variety of in-store celebrations, ranging from free food and merchandise, sales, contests, and live music. Check with your local campus store for details of their celebrations (last year, 1,550 college stores participated).

In addition, the National Association of College Stores (NACS) sponsors a nationwide contest in support of the day that allows college students to win valuable prizes. The goal of the contest is to garner free publicity for the charities mentioned in the student stories and to provide ideas for those people visiting the site who might not yet volunteer their time to a cause, but would like to.

When is National Student Day?

The third annual National Student Day will be observed on Oct. 3, 2013.

Tell me more about the national, online contest.

Sponsored by the National Association of College Stores (NACS), it is open to all college students (18 or older), even if their particular store isn’t holding an in-store event. Students upload an example of how they give back to their community (must have been done in the past 18 months) and urge people they know to vote for it.

What if I'm only part-time or a non-traditional student?

As long as you are at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in a college or university (must show a valid student ID when you come to pick up your prize) you are eligible to enter. In addition, the volunteer act must have been done within 18 months of Oct. 3, 2013.

What can I win?

The three most popular stories of student volunteerism, as voted upon online, win scholarships of $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000. Twelve additional stories will be selected at random to win iPad Minis.

If I win a prize, can I donate it to my organization/charity of choice?

Yes. Last year, our top two scholarship winners donated all, or a portion of their winnings to their non-profit of choice.

How do I enter the contest?

The national contest runs from midnight Aug. 1 through midnight Oct. 16! Register and enter the details of your volunteerism. You can submit text along with photos, drawings, video…any way to show how great your volunteer project is! Be sure to post your entry on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and encourage your family and friends to vote for it.

When does voting begin?

Voting opens at midnight on Aug. 1, 2013, and runs until midnight Oct. 16. Beginning that day, people can go to www.NationalStudentDay.com , click on the Stories tab, register, and begin voting for their favorite example of volunteerism. People can vote as often as they like, but only once per day.

Who can vote?

Anyone in the general public can vote for a story as long as they are registered to the web site. Thus, make sure you tell all of your family and friends about the contest. You are allowed one vote per day.

Can I promote my story on my social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter?

Yes. In fact, promoting your story through social media sites (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, etc.) is very effective. However, your family and friends must go to www.nationalstudentday.com to cast their vote. Facebook likes, shares, etc. will not count as a vote.

Can I submit a story nominating someone else?

While this is an admirable thought, the contest does not have that capability. However, be sure to encourage that person to enter the contest.

Can I submit a story nominating a group/organization I am affiliated with (ex. sorority, fraternity, etc.)?

There is no group category for the national contest. Therefore each entry is tied to a single individual. One person from your group/organization can enter the contest talking about the volunteer work they do within the organization and then have everyone from your group vote for this person’s story. However, the check/iPad Mini will be awarded to the individual, not the organization.

I am not a college student, how can I participate in National Student Day?

While only current, enrolled college students can enter the contest, you can vote for your favorite volunteer story. You can share this opportunity with a friend or family member who is a current college student. Also, help promote their story to your family and friends so they can collect more votes.

What if I have other questions?

Feel free to contact us with any comments or questions.