Service Learning and Community Partnership

Recognized: service-learning experiences meet a recognized community need

Reciprocal: service-learning experiences provide a meaningful and reciprocal experience for the student and the identified community organization

Reflective: service-learning experiences incorporate guided reflective activities that further connect course content with the service experiences

Registered: service-learning courses should be registered with the Community Engagement & Service-Learning Office each semester for recognition in the schedule of courses, potential funding and award opportunities

Students benefit from service-learning by...

• Increasing deep learning experiences
• Understanding community issues and learn how they can make a difference
• Exploring career options and building resume
• Developing leadership and communication skills
• Connecting service to civic responsibility

Faculty benefit from service-learning by...

• Strengthening classroom community and increasing student retention
• Connecting the relationship between theory and practice
• Allowing for assessment and critical reflection
• Reaching multiple learning styles
• Teaching values, social justice, and civic responsibility

The Office of Community Engagement & Service-Learning can...

• Serve as a liaison between faculty and community partners
• Handle the logistics of the service component, including:
  • Transportation
  • Budgets
  • Attendance
  • Training
  • Risk management/liability issues
• Share ideas and strategies for course construction and possible partners
• Present to classes on service-learning and participant expectations
• Assessment and evaluation of both community partners and students
• Assistance with grants and funding opportunities
• Provide resources to help with the reflection component
• Help lead reflection
• Work with local media to promote positive publicity

• A library with both general course construction materials as well as discipline specific resources
• Website with support materials, liability forms, and links to other resources
• Access to online resources such as Campus Compact
• Grant and conference presentation opportunities
• Access to example syllabi for your discipline