Course Based Service Learning

 You do receive course credit, but not simply for performing a service. Credit is received for the learning that takes place during the service experience. Consult with your course professor regarding how you will be graded and the value of the grade. You may be asked to write a reflection paper, keep a journal, do an in-class presentation, or some other form of reporting. It is the learning that is graded, not the experience. The community partner acts as a living classroom for the learning to take place.

Service Learning can only be performed with an approved community partner that is on the list selected by your instructor or approved by Service Learning program staff. If you have a suggestion that is not on the list, consult with your professor or the Service Learning office.

Transportation is not available, but most sites are within walking distance of campus. For students who have vehicles, there are options within a 10–20-minute drive and there are stipends available to offset travel costs.

Every effort must be made to complete your agreed-upon Service Learning experience. The agencies depend on student’s ongoing commitment to offer their programs. If there are extenuating circumstances, a valid reason must be presented for failure to complete a Service Learning experience. Contact must be made with your course professor, the site supervisor and the Service Learning office to inform them of your departure from the program and the reasons for the departure. Your professor will determine the effect this departure will have on your grade.

The vast majority of students have a very positive experience with their community partner. Occasionally, a student may be unhappy with their site. If this is the situation for you, please talk to someone. Consult with your professor or the Service Learning program staff. Is there something that we can do to change the experience? Do you need more or different support at the site? Are there other services that you can provide for this host organization? Most issues can be resolved in a manner that is acceptable to all parties involved.

Yes. The Service Learning experience is often an introduction to a new organization, new group of people, or new skills for many students. You are free to volunteer with the organization, if they would like you to do so. Consult with the site supervisor to see if they have different policies or procedures that apply to general volunteers, as opposed to students. Advise them that you will continue as a volunteer. And please let us know at the Service Learning office! We like to celebrate your successes. Continuing to provide service on your own is a clear sign of a successful Service Learning experience.

If your professor is offering a Service Learning option, details will be provided in class. The professor will outline the type of Service Learning experience offered in that class and the assignment that is attached to the Service Learning experience.

Another option is IDS 305: During this virtual Immersion experience, Service Learning students will participate in virtual interactions with partners in Peru. The goal of this experience is to support a remote underserviced community in the high Andes. In this course. students will strengthen their engagement and leadership skills while enhancing their learning about development issues. For more information, please consult the academic calendar or the Service Learning office.

The Service Learning Program produces a list of courses that will be offering a Service Learning component. Consult our "Course Offerings" tab on this page. Or approach the faculty members who are teaching your courses to see if they are interested in including a Service Learning component. Program staff are available to meet with interested faculty and assist them in developing a Service Learning option. In addition, the Service Learning office offers IDS 305: a Virtual Immersion experience in the winter term. This is a structured, 3 credit virtual Immersion experience that partners with a not-for-profit organization in Peru and the communities they support to provide a reciprocal learning opportunity for students interested in international studies. For more information, please consult the academic calendar or the Service Learning Office.