Faculty
Want to teach a Service Learning Course?
Service Learning enriches your teaching, connects your research to real-world impact, and provides recognition opportunities that support tenure and career growth. By linking academic learning with meaningful community service, you help students apply knowledge in powerful ways—while advancing your own professional goals.
Faculty Development for Community-based Learning
We provide the following services and support for faculty interested in teaching SL courses:
- Integrating community-engaged components to existing or new syllabi
- Assistance in identifying organizations and projects that connect to course objectives
- Faculty development workshops and individual consultations for relevant topics, i.e., reflection exercises and demonstration of SL work as part of the RPT process
- Student support (via the Center for Service in Action) throughout their community work
- A system (via the Center for Service in Action) for community-engaged learning students to manage and track hours
- Support (via the Center for Service in Action) with risk management-related paperwork
Risk Management
Risk management is the planning and organizing of precautionary measures aimed at minimizing the adverse effects of accidental and avoidable losses.
Why is managing risk important when teaching a Service Learning course?
There are many groups involved in a Service Learning class: faculty members, students, community members, and the university. Managing risk ensures that the safety and well-being of all parties are taken into account during the service portion of the course. It is important for the faculty member to practice risk management to prevent injury, property damage, and other liability issues.
Risk Management Resources
- Risk Management: A Short Course (pdf)
- Community Service in the CSU: Best Practices for Managing Risk in Service Learning
- Detailed information about risk management by the California State University.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Service-Learning?
Service Learning is a teaching and learning method that links course content to the community through involvement in organized service activities intended to enhance the academic experience and encourage participation in the community. The terms "community-based learning" and "service learning" can be used interchangeably.
How does service learning differ from traditional community service projects or internships?
Service learning is devoted to connecting coursework with real-world service projects to enhance the effectiveness of the learning experience. Volunteerism provides service to the community, but it does not offer opportunities to reflect upon the service. Internships are academically driven, making community service a secondary priority. Service learning combines academic focus with community service and provides time for reflection, creating a fulfilling learning experience.
Service learning can be integrated into most courses. The Academic Senate considers a course to be a service learning course if the community service component relates to the academic learning objectives of the course and is integrated with the academic content through reflection.
Why should I incorporate community-based learning into my curriculum?
See the "Benefits and Incentives" section of the overview.
Where can I go for help with planning and creating a Service Learning course?
The Center for Teaching and Learning offers workshops that can assist you in many areas of teaching. They will soon be offering community-based learning workshops, which will offer help with planning and developing your Service Learning course. For more information, contact the Center for Teaching and Learning.
How do I execute my Service Learning course?
Contact the Center for Service in Action. They can answer any questions you have about starting up your Service Learning course and help you register and finalize your course.
How do you prepare students to serve?
It is important for students to know what to expect before they begin their service assignments. Make time for training sessions and role-playing activities to prepare them for the service. Invite the community partner contact to speak to the students about what is expected of them.
How do I find a community partner?
Local non-profit organizations make excellent community partners. When choosing a community partner, consider the type of experience you want the students to be a part of. A list of current community partners can be found here. If you have any questions or need help finding a community partner, contact the Center for Service in Action.
External Resources
National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC)
Service Learning Course Syllabi (Search by Discipline)
Contact Us
For more information and for providing suggestions on desired resources, please don't hesitate to contact Dr. Anurag Pande (Faculty Liaison for Service-Learning)
