WHY SERVICE LEARNING?   So you’re thinking about service-learning.  Maybe it’s because you have to do it for a class, or maybe it’s part of a scholarship or internship program.  Whatever the reason you’ve decided to get involved, the benefits are endless.  Did you know that compared to students who do not take part in service activities, students involved in service-learning typically:   Achieve better grades Stay in school longer Graduate at higher rates Show a greater interest in graduate studies Report higher levels of satisfaction with their undergraduate education and career choice

Service-learning experiences will also help you: 

• Develop leadership skills, a sense of community, self-esteem, communication skills and an appreciation of diversity

• Explore potential careers

• Experience your chosen career field

• Develop professional skills and contacts

• Build your resume

• Put into practice the information you have learned in academic settings

"The opportunity to serve the community enriched my life far more than I imagined.  I donated my time and in return I gained knowledge, leadership skills, self-esteem, and great memories. Volunteering also helped me relate what I've  learned in all my classes to the real world -- it all ties together and makes sense now."  

Mitch Casados, Service-Learning student

Service-learning also helps the community by:

• Providing needed services (e.g., tutoring a child, building a home for a low-income family, helping those suffering with illnesses)

• Providing talents and knowledge to nonprofit organizations and community-based groups that could not otherwise afford those services

• Enabling service organizations to reach more people in need of help

"Service-learning students provide the core of our program’s services.  They serve and learn while the children in our program gain excellent role models and academic guidance."

Don Romsa, The SMILE Center

Service-Learning is a unique “real world” experience that combines academic coursework with meaningful community service activities and critical reflection on that service.

Choosing the Right Organization

Now that you’ve decided to participate in a service-learning project, you need to choose an organization with which to serve with.  It is very important that you research your options and select an agency whose mission is important to you and whose work relates to your course of study and personal goals.  Before deciding what type of service you’d like to do, think about the following questions:

Ø What are the course objectives for the class you’re participating in?

Ø What are some jobs people in your field of study generally have?

Ø What are some social issues that are important to you?

Ø In your own history, where are some areas that you’ve received help?

The next step is to explore and research your options.  Your instructor may have the predetermined service site(s) already arranged.  If not, use the answers to the above questions to guide you in choosing a service site.  Compare the things that are important to you and your coursework to the values of the organization.  The organization that is right for you will have similar values and visions for the community that you do, while providing an opportunity to relate classroom theories to your service.

How can you Ensure Service Learning Success?

Expect…

• A worthwhile and challenging experience

• Orientation, training and supervision

• Feedback and evaluation on the work that you perform

• Respect within the organization

• That your time, energy and talents will be well utilized

Be sure you…

• Obtain course credit for your service-learning

• Get help from your site supervisor when in doubt

• Abide by all requirements and guidelines

• Perform tasks to the best of your ability

• Provide feedback to your supervisor

• Don’t take on more responsibility than you can handle

• Keep track of the time spent in service according to organization and university policy

Know…

• Who to contact if problems or emergencies arise

• How the service work relates to the course objectives

never…

• Report to your site under the influence

• Give a client money or other personal belongings

• Engage in any type of business with clients

• Give a ride to a client or organization representative

• Engage in behavior that might be perceived as sexual with a client or organization representative

• Engage in discriminating behaviors

always…

• Respect confidences entrusted to you

• Be open minded and respectful

• Be punctual and responsible

• Notify your supervisor if you will be late or absent

• Request an alternative site if your are not comfortable with your current placement

Where To Go For Help

The Office of Civic Engagement and Service-Learning at California State University, Fresno is always available to help make your service-learning experience memorable, meaningful and manageable.

Contact us at:

California State University, Fresno

Office of Civic Engagement and Service-Learning

2555 E. San Ramon Avenue

M/S SB 120

Fresno, California 93740-8034

Science Building, Room 136

(559) 278-7079

http://www.csufresno.edu/cesl

For more information on service-learning, visit http://www.csufresno.edu/sl

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