Western Carolina University has a national reputation for the service-learning opportunities provided for its students. Service learning allows students to:
- Apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom
- Perform a service for the community
- Gain a greater understanding of community needs
Students are involved in service learning as part of the regular curriculum and they also have the option of doing either a research or service-learning project for their final project.
Service Learning Examples
Training for Southwestern Community College (SCC) Students
Physical therapy faculty member Kathy A Starr coordinates an annual program in which WCU physical therapy students conduct training
in anatomy for physical therapy assistant students at the neighboring Southwestern
Community College (pictured above). Cadavers are used to supplement training.
Ergonomic Consultation on Campus
Each fall semester students go in pairs with their instructor to work stations of
campus employees who are experiencing repetitive strain injuries. They evaluate the
work site, make specific recommendations, and return to assess the effectiveness of
their intervention.
Read “Western students learning to untie ergonomic knots” (2004)
Aquatic Program for Students with Special Needs in the Public Schools
Students with special needs in the county school system do not have access to a pool or the personnel required to provide adequate supervision. Physical therapy students reserve the campus pool and made necessary arrangements to provide a morning of safe aquatic activity for these children. Both sets of students have a great time and learn from each other.
To learn more about these programs, please contact us.