To Students:

• Apply classroom theories to real-world situations, deepening your understanding of course material and seeing the practical relevance of your studies.
• Develop valuable interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, and gain a greater understanding of different cultures and perspectives.
• Gain hands-on experience in various fields, explore potential career paths, and build a competitive resume with practical skills.

To Faculty:

• Provide new ways to teach familiar material by engaging students in active learning.
• Become more connected to community issues as they relate to your specific academic discipline.
• Create experiential learning opportunities for students and a chance to make a difference.

To Community Partners:

• Provide valuable assistance and support that community agencies need through volunteer service.
• Provide access to knowledge, skills, and energy of students.
• Increase public awareness of the community partner’s mission and services.

Various courses are offered with a service learning component. The availability of these courses vary each semester.

If you are enrolled in a course with a service learning component, your instructor will provide details on the specific project, community partner, and expectations. The service learning coordinator also serves as a liaison and can help connect you with opportunities and answer questions.

You can still volunteer for personal enrichment! Please visit the student resources page and follow the steps listed there.

If you are already volunteering, it may be possible for that experience to be integrated into service learning, provided it meets the specific academic objectives and includes the required reflection components of the course. You should discuss this possibility with your instructor and the service learning coordinator early in the semester.

The number of service hours required can vary depending on the specific course and project. Your instructor will clearly outline the expected time commitment at the beginning of the semester.

Yes, service learning is integrated directly into the curriculum of designated courses, meaning the service and reflection components are part of your graded coursework. The credit you receive is for the learning that occurs through the combined service and academic experience, just like any other course requirement.

If you are volunteering for personal enrichment, then you do not receive academic credit. However, you may still list the experience on your resume as volunteer or project experience!