Academic Service-Learning at UMSL
Welcome to the home of academic service-learning at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Whether you are a faculty member looking to add a service component to a course, a student looking to serve, or a community agency looking for a partnership project, this site can help you accomplish your goals.
Definition: What is Academic Service-Learning?
"Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that intentionally incorporates community service into the curriculum to enhance instruction and reflection, to teach civic responsibility, and to strengthen communities. It's an increasingly effective component of the educational experiences offered to students at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, an increasingly important expression of the institution's commitment to improve our surrounding communities, and a focal point within our Action Plan."
Thomas F. George, Chancellor
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Differentiation: What makes it different from other forms of service?
- Volunteerism - Service objective with the intent that the activity benefit the community.
- Internships - Learning objective with the intent that the activity benefit the individual.
- Service Learning - Combines service objectives with learning objectives with the intent that the activity benefit and/or support both the recipient and the provider of the service, creating a beautiful mutually beneficial relationship.
Upcoming Events
Reflections on Community Engagement and Student Learning
What makes a service experience a service-learning experience? One element that sets the two apart is a structured assignment that guides students to reflect on what they've learned during the project; what they've learned about themselves, about others, and about the community. Consider how to add reflection to a community-based experience so that it is service-learning and to reflect with us on how the revision of UMSL's Strategic Plan will address community engagement. Coffee, tea, fruit, bagels, and collegiality will be provided.
REGISTER ONLINE
Friday, February 24
10:00 AM - 12:00 noon
402 JCP Conference Center