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Community Service & Service Learning - FAQs |
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- What is service learning?
Service learning is a method for students to learn through active service in their communities. Students apply the leadership and critical thinking skills that they have honed as students to solve a problem or need that they see in their area, using discipline-specific skills that they have learned while studying in their major.
- How is service learning different from community service?
Community service generally centers on volunteerism; that is, setting aside time or resources to assist a pre-existing group. The goal of community service programs in schools is to help students to reach a higher level of citizenship and teach them the importance of community involvement. While service learning also incorporates those goals, its primary aim is to teach the student skills relevant to his or her chosen field of study while illustrating the role those skills can play in strengthening their communities. Service learning does this by actively engaging student’s minds and voices at all stages of the service learning project. Students are responsible for selecting their own projects and community organizations, and to reflecting on the experience through online discussions, journals, class presentations and papers about their projects.
- I already volunteer with my church, school or another organization. Can I count those hours toward my total?
You may volunteer at an organization you have worked with in the past, but previous hours do not count. You activity needs to be approved by your instructor and all forms filled out.
- Which organization should I work with?
The Applied Ethics Institute works with many different local organizations to help students find service learning experiences that are both challenging and rewarding. Choose an organization that connects to one of your interests or passions. Look into organizations that match your career objectives. You may suggest organizations not on that list; this organization will need to be approved by your instructor. Among other requirements, it must be a It must be a non-profit organization meeting a community need. It must be an experienced and established organization.
- Can I design my own service project, like beach cleanup?
No. The service learning objectives include learning that cannot be obtained through individual work. Learning from others, learning about leadership, teamwork, diversity and such objectives cannot be obtained by individual projects. To meet the objectives, you should find an existing organization with a developed organizational structure, strategy and a proven track record.
- Can I work with a religious group?
Yes, under certain conditions. For a faith-based community service organization, the organization must serve the community meeting a need that is not primarily spiritual. It must serve people regardless of creed or affiliation and without an effort to recruit to a particular religious belief or organization—no proselytizing. Joining a religious organization that feeds the homeless would qualify, whereas teaching the faith would not. Building homes for the poor would qualify, whereas paining the sanctuary or the minister’s residence would not. If you have any questions, please ask.
- Can I serve split my hours between two or more organizations?
You instructor will have to make that decision. If you instructor approves, yes.
- Can I continue to work with my service learning project after graduation?
Yes! We hope that your service learning experience will be a positive and rewarding one that you will wish to continue. There is no reason for you to stop your service learning once you graduate. Indeed, we hope that the Honors College's service learning program is just the first step to a life full of enriching community activity and involvement!
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