Community Engagement

Service-Learning Guidelines

A structured learning experience that combines community service with explicit learning objectives, preparation, and reflection. Students involved in Service-Learning are expected not only to provide direct community service but also to learn about the context in which the service is provided, the connection between the service and their academic coursework, and their roles as citizens (Seifer, S.; Jacoby, B.); Service-Learning is a form of experiential education that:

  • is developed, implemented, and evaluated in collaboration with the community;
  • responds to the community-identified concerns;
  • attempts to balance the service that is provided and the learning that takes place;
  • enhances curriculum by extending learning beyond the classroom and allowing students to apply what they’ve learned to real-world situations;
  • and provides opportunities for critical reflection.