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
SERVICE-LEARNING COURSE CRITERIA
THE PROCESS FOR SERVICE-LEARNING DESIGNATION
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.