What does community service have to do with a college education?
Plenty. Your service-learning experience can enhance the learning of college courses - as long as you apply ideas discussed in class to your service experience. There's a lot that can be learned beyond the walls of a classroom. Many employers are looking for skills that service-learning can teach, such as: communication skills, cross-cultural skills, critical-thinking skills, group-work skills, career and work skills, and citizenship/community service skills.

Where will I be doing my service-learning project?
Typically, a faculty member chooses to partner with 5-10 agencies based on how well the agency's service project fits the learning goals of the class. From this list, students select which agency/project most interests them and fits their schedule and location needs. The service-learning office and faculty work hard to provide a diverse selection of agencies. Students wishing to design and implement a project with an agency not on the list may do so with faculty approval.

When will I be able to do my service project?
There is some flexibility. You'll work with the site to establish a schedule of service in consultation with the site supervisor.

What will I be doing for my service project?
The site supervisors match you with a service experience that relates to the class. Many positions will involve working directly with people, although some will involve working with computers or library research, and others may involve outside physical labor. Your site supervisor will make sure you are comfortable and prepared.

What can I do to make sure I have a successful service experience?

Initiative is important.  Meet with your site supervisor as soon as possible to schedule a first visit.  Patience is important too.  There are ebbs and flows to the work - some weeks may be hectic, others painfully slow.  Learn to roll with the changes.

Be open-minded and understanding.  You'll probably encounter folks who are very different than you. Use this as a learning experience to try to understand their story.  Set aside your personal judgments for the moment and really listen to people.

Maintain boundaries.  You're not there to be everyone's best friend.  Personal information (including your address and phone number) should be kept to yourself.

Be a student - no one expects you to be an expert.  They only expect you to be reliable, honest and respectful.

Give it your best effort.  Don't be afraid to ask for help from others if you encounter a confusing situation.  Be a student and try to learn as much as you can.