Service Learning FAQs

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 honors 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 and/or designing their own projects, working with other students and community leaders as well as the targeted group to establish needs and goals, and to reflect on the experience through journals, class presentations and papers about their projects.

What are the Honors College’s service learning requirements for members?

All incoming freshman members are required to complete at least 60 hours of service learning before graduation. Current or transfer students who have completed more than 30 credit hours may have lessened service learning requirements.

I already volunteer with my church, school or another organization. Can I count those hours toward my total?

Unfortunately, volunteer hours cannot be counted towards service learning hours, since service learning requires that students are engaging discipline-specific skills and involved in active learning and reflection as they work in their communities.

Do I have to invent a brand new program or can I work with an existing organization?

The Honors College works with many different local organizations to help students find service learning posts that are both challenging and rewarding. To learn more about finding a service learning post with a pre-existing organization, check the Service Learning boards on the Angel Honors College Commons, or contact the service learning coordinator, Beth Goodbread, (727)712-5754; goodbread.beth@spcollege.edu.

Where can I go to get information about available service learning posts?

Information is available through SPC’s Service Learning Coordinator, Beth Goodbread, (727)712-5754; goodbread.beth@spcollege.edu. You can also find information in the Service Learning folder on the Angel Honors College Commons. It is also a good idea to check your email regularly; the Honors College often emails information about available service learning posts to members.

Where can I go to get the forms to document my service learning hours?

You can find the required forms here, on the Angel Honors College Commons, or you can request them from SPC’s Service Learning Coordinator, Beth Goodbread, (727)712-5754; goodbread.beth@spcollege.edu.

I’ve completed the hours and filled out my forms. Now what?

Contact SPC’s Service Learning Coordinator, Beth Goodbread, (727)712-5754; goodbread.beth@spcollege.edu. She will tell you where to turn in the forms and if you need to complete any additional reflection or interviews. This must be done prior to graduation during your last semester at SPC.

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!