Academic Service Learning

What is service learning?

Service learning is tied to an academic course you are taking. Your faculty member may ask you to complete service hours at a certain type of organization, or your class may do a service project with a school or agency, or you may work with a community partner on some research or a special project. All of those would be examples of service learning because they are integrated into your coursework. In order for a course to be a service learning course it must include a service requirement that meets a community need, the service must relate to the syllabus, and some type of reflection that allows the student to show the connection between class and community must occur.

Service learning is a community engagement pedagogy that links disciplinary study and service with reflection.  Our office works with faculty and community organizations to develop service opportunities for students to engage in projects which benefit the community and nonprofit agencies.  

Information and Resources for Faculty

The Career Center offers faculty members assistance with logistics, opportunities for recognition, and a community of educators dedicated to community engagement. We are here to support you, the faculty member, in designing and implementing service-learning courses and pedagogies. Our staff is knowledgeable in service-learning practices and resources, and we maintain a continually expanding list of service sites in the community.  If you have any organizations with whom you would like us to partner, refer them to the Community Organization section of our site so they can register and began submitting projects.

We encourage you to come to meet with us to discuss implementing service-learning in your curriculum, including the development of community service placements appropriate to the academic goals and objectives of your course. 

Campus Compact
Campus Compact is a national coalition of 1,000+ colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education.  They build democracy through education and community development and offer a robust variety of resources focusing on teaching, research and institutional action in service of the public good. 

International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership
IPSL designs and delivers international programs that blend academic study, ethical volunteer service, and engaged research opportunities for students.

Community-Campus Partnerships for Health
CCPH is a nonprofit organization that promotes health through partnerships between communities and higher educational institutions. Supports a valuable list serve for faculty