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- Service-Learning Course (SLC) Designation
Service-Learning Course (SLC) Designation
Service Learning courses (SLC) are course-based, credit-bearing types of experiential learning in which students participate in an organized service activity WITH a community partner that meets community-identified needs.
"Service, combined with learning, adds value to each and transforms both" (Honnet & Poulsen, 1989)
Meaningful and intentional reflection on the experience is integrated throughout the course to increase students' understanding and application of course content and to enhance their sense of civic and social responsibility. Community partners serve as co-educators with the faculty member.
You can incorporate service-learning experiences into your course through
- Direct Service (i.e., students learn about the community partner and clients through volunteerism at the site)
- Indirect Service (i.e., the partner brings a community problem to class, and the students work on the project throughout the semester)
- Research & Advocacy (i.e., students gather information about an area of interest for the partner or work to educate others to create awareness or action)
SERVICE-LEARNING COURSE CRITERIA
- Students must spend at least 15 hours per semester working with the community partner or on the community partner project
- Faculty must connect at least 3 times with their community partner during the semester (before, mid-way, end)
- Service-learning course syllabi must include:
- WCU Statement of Service Learning (see below)
- A clear connection between students' service learning experiences and the academic course objectives
- Evidence of reflection (connecting service to curriculum) integrated into the course
- Grading policies/procedures that follow service-learning best practices – students should receive grades for their reflections connecting the experience to the course, not grades for having the experience.
- Courses retain their designation for ONE ACADEMIC YEAR
THE PROCESS FOR SERVICE-LEARNING DESIGNATION
- Faculty complete the Service Learning Course Designation Qualtrics Form to request course/section designation or to let us know you are interested in exploring using Service Learning Pedagogy (See deadlines below)
- CCESL reviews the form for service-learning designation
- CCESL notifies the faculty, Department Chairperson, and department Administrative Support Associate of the SLC designation
- The department Administrative Support Associate assigns the attribute for the course/section in Banner (Deadline 5 days before Advising Day)
- CCESL sends an email to faculty and academic advisors indicating which courses are SLC-designated in preparation for Advising Day discussions with students
- Advising Day and course registrations begin
Deadlines
Fall & Summer Course Offering Deadline is February 1
Spring Course Offering Deadline is October 1
Service Learning courses (SLC) are course-based, credit-bearing types of experiential learning in which students participate in an organized service activity WITH a community partner that meets community-identified needs. Meaningful and intentional reflection on the experience is integrated throughout the course to increase students' understanding and application of course content and to enhance their sense of civic and social responsibility. Community partners serve as co-educators with the faculty member.
The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning at Western Carolina University is a centralized hub for the university, students, and community, providing resources and capacity-building as a catalyst for social responsibility and positive impact. To learn more about how you can become involved, please contact the center at communityengagement@wcu.edu or stop by Belk 273.
Critical reflection is essential to service-learning coursework. It is how we engage students to interpret what they experience and see during the process. Through integrated, continuous, intentional, contextualized, and challenging reflection assignments and activities students can become more more conscious of their motivation and how the experience is connected to the course learning objectives. Please see the following resources on reflection and assessment
Once a section has been approved by the CCESL for service-learning credit, the section title on SSASECT should be edited to include the -SLC (Service Learning Course) designation following the same process used to distinguish -HON, or -LAB sections. This process will also add an attribute to the section for searching & reporting. Please do not add the -SLC designation before securing approval. The Registrar’s Office can assist you if you have any question about the -SLC title adjustment.
Contact Us
The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning
Belk 273
828.227.2091
communityengagement@wcu.edu