What is Service-Learning?
A: Service-Learning is a pedagogical method that engages students in organized service activities and guided reflection: the service activities benefit students and the community that they serve with and, in combination with reflection, enhance the academic curriculum for students and faculty.
In accordance to its Jesuit mission to educate men and women for others, service-learning at Gonzaga University encourages its students and faculty to deepen their understanding of community and social justice through exploring the links between service and academic work. Through interactions with diverse communities and organizations, we learn to be effective agents of social change.
Service-learning is distinct from acts of charity because it is reciprocal; students, faculty, and community partners teach and learn through their interactions.
University consists of four major components which are:
1. Integration of service and coursework to create a circular classroom.
2. Faculty and community partners serve as co-teachers.
3. Students are active participants in and out of the classroom.
4. Reflection is used as a guide for class discussion.
How do I get started?
1. Choose an organization from the Placement List provided by CCASL.
2. Contact the organization to discover whether it matches your interests and fits into your schedule.
3. Meet with your site supervisor to fill out your Service-Learning Contract.
4. Return the contract to Molly Ayers 2nd floor of CCASL.
5. Start serving!
How do I find a placement?
CCASL provides students with the Placement Lists that each professor has selected. Contact the agencies with which you are interested in volunteering.
Don't put this off… find a placement within 2 weeks
There are about 600 students in service-learning classes each semester and the best placements fill up fast. We're not saying that there won't be any placements left, but one that you may want could be full if you wait too long.
Certain sites have requirements that may take time, such as Washington State background checks, TB tests, and if you're not a Washington resident they may run an FBI background check.
Contact CCASL if you are having difficulties finding a site or would like to pursue a project not on your list.
What if I've never done any service before?
We recommend finding another student to go with whether it is a fellow classmate or a friend.
Community Partners will go over guidelines for working with vulnerable populations so that you have a better idea of what to expect during your initial day of service. Remember to ask questions if you have an concerns.
What should I do if I don't think that I'll have enough time?
First of all, you will have enough time, we promise! The top concern that most students have is wondering how they will fit 20 hours of service into an already busy class schedule. Remember that your professor has lightened the homework load by 20 hours so that you don't have any more work for their class than a non-service-learning class. The first step that you can take is to get a placement right away. The sooner you get started the fewer hours you have to do per week. If you chose a consistent time to go each week it becomes a routine, it's just like scheduling a time to workout or meet some one for coffee. The time that you spend serving can be just as distressing as both those.
What if I don't have a car?
Never fear you can still serve! Many of the placements are within walking distance or are on a bus line. If you have never used the Spokane Transit System we can help. The bus system can be intimidating so take time before your first visit to you placement to figure out the specific route you need to take. Many times the community partner will know what bus you need to catch, if not call CCASL and we can help.
How do I get a grade for doing service?
Many people wonder how you can be graded on doing service. Ultimately the professor gives the final letter grade; however, there are evaluations that they take into account:
• Community partners will evaluate you on the work that you do at their organization. This is one of the many reasons it is so important to be reliable and consistent.
• Your participation in class, based on what you have experienced in the community will also factor into your grade.
• You will also have a chance to evaluate the agency you worked with, the class and all of us at the SL office. This helps us with future development of Service-Learning at Gonzaga University.
What if the placement I chose doesn't end up working out?
Please contact CCASL as soon as possible. We are in constant contact with our community partners and it is our job to help work out any problems you are having and find you a new placement if necessary. It is never too late to change your placement if you are not having a rewarding experience. Service-Learning only works when the experience you have in and out of the classroom enrich each other.
What do I have to have to successfully complete my service-learning?
You MUST fill out a contract. Your professor should give you one...it looks like this: BlankSLContractSpring2005.doc. Take this when you decide on a community partner to work with. Also take your syllabus. Talk with the community partner about your class and what you hope to accomplish in your service.
Then when you finish your service we will email an evaluation out to your community partner. You must also fill out an evaluation.
Reading Materials:
National Center for Service-Learning- Service Learning: A Guide for College Students
Campus Compact- Building a Movement: A Resource. A book for students in community service
