Academic Service-Learning Program - Certificate

Coordinator: Kate Stephens
Location: Taggart Student Center 318
Phone: (435) 797-8135
FAX: (435) 797-8138
E-mail: kate.stephens@usu.edu

Service-Learning Scholar Advisor: Kate Stephens
Location: Taggart Student Center 318
Phone: (435) 797-8135
FAX: (435) 797-8138
E-mail: kate.stephens@usu.edu

WWW: http://www.usu.edu/asusu/htm/servicelearning

Program Description

The Academic Service-Learning Program provides a much-needed and desired academic component complementing the extensive public service efforts of many USU students. It supports broader state and national movements promoting more civic engagement among college and university students. It also supports USU’s undergraduate educational mission, which is to prepare citizen scholars “…who participate and lead in local, regional, national, and global communities.”

Service-Learning is a well-researched and highly effective teaching pedagogy, which incorporates community service into the course curriculum. Academic Service-Learning is a credit-bearing educational experience where students: (1) gain a broader understanding of course content, (2) earn a deeper appreciation of the discipline, (3) help meet community needs, (4) reflect on service activities, and (5) develop an enhanced sense of civic responsibility. Many opportunities for service-learning are available for USU students. For a current list of SL-designated courses, contact the Service-Learning Coordinator.

The program is housed organizationally within the Office of the Provost. The program’s faculty and staff work very closely with the USU/SA Service Vice President, the Val R. Christensen Service Center program directors, the Student Involvement and Leadership Center, and the Vice President for Student Services. The Service-Learning Coordinator is assisted by a steering committee consisting of faculty, students, and staff.

Certificate

A Service-Learning Certificate, which is recorded on a student’s official transcript, is awarded to students who participate in the Service- Learning Scholars Program. This certificate enables employers and graduate programs to see evidence of a student’s determination to go the extra mile. As Service-Learning Scholars, students will also be recognized at graduation with a banquet in their honor, cords to wear during commencement, and their names in the graduation program.

Admission Requirements

Service-Learning Scholars at USU are an elite group of students dedicated to making a difference in their community. Each year, 25 students will be admitted to the program. Admission to the program is competitive and is limited to a maximum of 100 students at any one time. In order to gain admittance to the program, students must submit an application, have a 3.0 or higher grade point average, and submit a written essay detailing their interest in Service-Learning and their dedication to community engagement. Applications may be found on the Service-Learning website.

Certificate Requirements

To receive a Service-Learning Certificate, a student must:

1. Apply for and be accepted to the Service-Learning Scholars Program. Applications may be found on the Service-Learning website.
2. Earn a minimum of 9 SL designated credits (with a grade of B or better in each course).
3. Perform a minimum of 400 service hours.
4. Develop and complete an approved capstone project.
5. Maintain and present a reflective portfolio.

The 9 credits must come from an approved list of Service-Learning courses. Course adaptations will be considered by the Service- Learning Coordinator (for example, an instructor may contract with one student in a non-SL course to complete the SL requirement). For answers to any questions, as well as an up-to-date list of approved SL courses and program applications, students should contact the Service-Learning Coordinator.