The Faculty Side: Service-Learning
Faculty Service-Learning Criteria
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
The Benefits of Service-Learning in Higher Education
Students benefit from service-learning by...
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Increasing deep learning experiences
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Understanding community issues and learn how they can make a difference
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Exploring career options and building resume
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Developing leadership and communication skills
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Connecting service to civic responsibility
Faculty benefit from service-learning by...
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Strengthening classroom community and increasing student retention
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Connecting the relationship between theory and practice
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Allowing for assessment and critical reflection
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Reaching multiple learning styles
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Teaching values, social justice, and civic responsibility
Service-Learning Support
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
We also have a plethora of support resources, like...
- 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
Inquire with Westminster Fellow of Community Engagement & Service-Learning, Hannah Minchow-Proffitt, 573-592-6213.