Orientation for Students

Adapted from Boise State University

Once the agency and service-learner have agreed upon a placement and a specific assignment, the service-learner needs an orientation including:

• An introduction to your agency, including the physical plan and layout of the agency as well as historical background.

• An explanation of the program goals and objectives.

• A description of the client base, including numbers of clients served, socio-economic and other demographic data, and political subdivisions served.

• Community issues your program addresses and where there is a need for the service.  A discussion of the service-learner's role, including tasks and benefits to the agency and specific importance to the population served and the community in general.

• An introduction to the staff.  Although people supervising the student should attend, it is important the student be introduced to all agency personnel with whom contact will be made.  This gives the student a sense of his/her role within the context of the agency structure.

• A handbook or other written materials should be distributed to the service-learner during the orientation.

• Establishing a start date.  Keep in mind the number of hours the student must complete during the semester.  The earlier the service-learning students can start their service the better.  Don't let the students leave orientation without knowing when they plan to return. 

• Discuss risk and safety guidelines.  Training students in safety procedures, potential dangers and the risk management policies of your organization.  If students have to drive (not recommended), the agency must get a copy of their drivers license and proof of insurance prior to allowing the student to drive.  In additional to proper education, waivers and informed consent forms can help document how organizations communicated potential risks and that participants understood those risks.  One way to limit risk in any activity is to properly educate, train and prepare participants.

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