Definition of Service-Learning
Service-Learning is a teaching and learning method that connects meaningful community service with academic instruction through guided reflection.
Service-Learning in a Class
Integration of service-learning into existing courses allows students to participate in community service as part of the curriculum. This option is an opportunity for students to engage in learning by applying information and skills taught in their course curriculum.
Students are able to choose from hundreds of approved service sites in order to select a location that is right for both their needs and the requirements of the instructor. At our Service-Learning Orientations, we explain how to browse the service sites on our database to find contact information and requirements.
Service-Learning Packets
- Yellow Packet – In-Course Module paperwork for traditional service-learning classes
- Green Packet – In-Course Module paperwork for Education & Math 256/257 courses
- Salmon Packet – In-Course Module paperwork for a group-based service-learning project
The Paperwork
- "The Letter" or "White Sheet" - this paper is for the service site where the student will be completing their service-learning hours. It provides that site with a brief overview of service-learning, the contact information for the student serving there, and the contact information for our Center for Community & Civic Engagement.
- This form should be completed and turned into the service-site during your initial meeting.
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- Placement Confirmation Form & Agreement of Conduct - this sheet must be filled out by both the student doing Service-Learning hours and the agency supervisor who will be overseeing your hours at that service site. It confirms that the student has been approved to serve at the site, allows the student and supervisor to outline service responsibilities, and includes conduct policies for both the student and site supervisor to sign off on. We recommend the student call ahead of time (using the telephone protocol listed out in your In-Course Module packet) to set up a good date & time to meet to go over the student responsibilities and sign the forms together.
- This form must be completed and turned into the class Service-Learning Assistant or the Center for Community & Civic Engagement before the student starts their Service-Learning hours.
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- Experiential Education Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability this is a release of legal rights. It is important to read it and understand it before signing. Please make sure to sign in pen.
- This form must be completed and turned in to the class SLA or the Center for Community & Civic Engagement before the student starts their Service-Learning hours.
- This document submitted must be an original version - it cannot be scanned, faxed, or emailed like the other 2 forms. Please drop it off or physically mail it to the office.
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- Contact Log with Student Evaluation - the student is responsible for filling out this form to record and log their hours. It is important to denote what activities are performed at that service site with short descriptions on the lines provided. In addition, the opposite side of the form includes an evaluation survey that needs to be completed and signed off by the site supervisor who has been overseeing the students service hours.
- This form must be completed and turned in to the class SLA or the Center for Community & Civic Engagement upon completion of your Service-Learning experience and before your class deadlines.
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Service-Learning Certificate
In order to earn a Service-Learning Certificate upon completion of your hours, the following must be true:
- You must serve at one of our approved service sites (please see the service sites database to check to ensure it is on our district approval list)
- You may not be paid for your service
- You must complete the minimum amount of hours required for your class
- You must turn in all 3 In-Course Module documents:
- Placement Confirmation Form & Agreement of Conduct
- Experiential Education Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability
- Contact Log with Student Evaluation
Service-Learning Orientations
We encourage you to attend an in-person orientation or view our online orientation to ensure you can fully complete the paperwork and select an approved site to serve.