Procedures for Service-Learning (S) Designation
The following guidelines and recommendations are designed to guide faculty and departments in obtaining a service-learning or "S" designation for a course. Please know that assistance is available at every step of the process. It is recommended that you contact Chris Fiorentino, Director of the Office of Civic Engagement and Service Learning (278-7079 or chrisf@csufresno.edu) with any questions.
- Before proceeding with any requests to have a course designated as a service-learning (S) course, you should carefully read and consider all points on the attached "Service-Learning Designation Considerations". (See attachment A.)
- Those faculty/departments that would like to obtain an "S" designation should go through the normal procedures to obtain an undergraduate course change or approval of a new course. These procedures include:
A. Complete an "Undergraduate Course Change Request" or "Undergraduate Course Proposal" with
accompanying support. In the case of an S course, support materials must address the criteria established to become an "S" course. (See attachment B)
B. Obtain Department Chair Signature.
C. Obtain School/College Curriculum Committee signature.
D. Obtain Dean's signature.
Submit the change request, documentation, and signatures to the Associate Provost. Before forwarding to the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee or General Education Committee, the Associate Provost will submit the material to the Service-Learning Development Committee for evaluation of the "S" designation criteria response.
- If approved, the change request will be returned to the Associated Provost for distribution to the UGC and, if appropriate, GE committees. These committees will treat the change request as they do all others. If the request is not approved by the Service-Learning Development Committee, committee reprepsentatives will work with the applicant to make appropriate changes so that the "S" criteria can be fully met.
Attachment A - Service-Learning Designation Considerations
There are several issues that departments should consider before seeking a service-learning (S) designation. Of course, the most important considerations are the appropriateness of service-learning for the course in question and how the "S" desination criteria will be met. In addition to those critical issues, the following are some questions departments should consider.
- Will all sections include a service0-learning component, or just a majority of sections.
It is anticipated that, inconsidering a course for an "S" designation, that it is the belief of the depart- ment faculty that service-learning will significantly assist in reaching the learning objectives of the course. Therefore, unless there are specific reasons why certain sections shouldd be excluded, it is recommended that all sections include a service-learning component.
Example: Communication 8 or 8S - Group Discussion (3): Communication in group thinking and problem solving through preparation and presentation of panels and symposia on public issues. G.E. Foundation A1. S sections include a service-learning requirement (see page 47). (Formerly SPCH 8)
- If this course has been accepted for the General Education Program, how will adding the S designation affect its ability to meet and/or exceed the requirements of the General Education Program? Departments should respond to this question in some detail and specificity. Successful responses will, at least in part, focus on student outcomes and on the basic requirements listed for every General Education course.
Attachment B – S Criteria
California State University, Fresno
Justification for an S designation
Revised: November 2002
Introduction
In spring 1999, the Academic Senate approved guidelines by which courses may obtain recognition as a service-learning course. The following are guidelines to obtain the S designation for courses. To obtain the “S” designation, the following justifications must be addressed in writing as part of the “S” designation proposal from your department.
"S" Designation Requirements
Preamble: This policy will provide the option of approving service-learning courses within departments which offer courses that meet the requirements.
Definition: Service-learning is community service linked to academic study through structured reflection so that each reinforces the other. The academic study may be in any discipline or combination of fields. The service may address a variety of community needs including direct service to people in need, improvement of community resources, applied research, community outreach and education, or policy analysis.
Policy: Courses that meet the guidelines below will be designated as service-learning courses by having the course number followed by the letter S.
Guidelines: Designation as a service-learning course will require that the following criteria be met (A-E). Please specifically address each of the associated justifications in your application.
A. Appropriate academic study is the primary focus of all S courses. The service- learning component is a support to the academic focus.
Justification: What is the academic nature of the course? Define how service learning will be a component which supports this academic focus
B. The course will have a mechanism to introduce the service ethic, through various methods: guided readings, experiential class period, a workshop using Students for Community Service as a resource, or seminar.
Justification: How will the service-learning assignment will be introduced to the students This statement should include reference to the source(s) and procedures which will be followed to reinforce the service ethic.
C. A requirement of a minimum of 10 hours of academically relevant community service which contributes to the student's course grade.
Justification: Please provide a description of:
(1) where the service-learning assignment will be completed; (2) what typical activities will be performed; (3) the length of time students will be required to serve; (4) how verification of service hours will be competed; (5) how this requirement contributes to course grading.
D. A mechanism, such as a paper or presentation, which relates the experiential learning of community service to specific course content.
Justification: How will the student demonstrate the integration of the service-learning assignment with the course curriculum?
E. Structured opportunities for critical reflection on the service experience.
Justification: How will a critical self-analysis or reflection be integrated into the course? (Reflecting on the service experience is most effective when it is completed before, during and after service-learning activities.)