Service Learning

1. Service Learning

2. By melding academics with service, coursework comes alive and students learn civicresponsibility as they deepen their understanding of the community in which they live. Why Community Engagement and Service Learning? (video link, click here) Service learning is a credit-bearing, educational experience in which students participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs. Students also reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.

3. Service Learning Models • Product model • Students create a usable product for the agency to use in its work. • Placement model • Students are placed at an agency and do service for 2-3 hours per week. • Presentation model • Students present information from their class material that may be useful to a particular community organization or to the community at-large.

4. Step one: Register in the database 1. Login to the service learning database: http://www4.uwm.edu/community/log.cfm 2. And choose a service assignment: Fill this circle to select assignment Don’t forget to hit “Submit” again!!!

5. Step Two: check your uwm email and print off your forms Once you submit your registration, a confirmation email will be sent to you, the community partner, the Center, and your professor. The email will provide you with important information, that will lead you to step three…. Please note – this email contains contact information regarding your site contact, so save this email for future reference.

6. Step Three: Contact your agency Call or email your site contact person to arrange your orientation and service schedule. If you do not hear back from them in 4-5 business days, then contact the Center at islinfo@uwm.edu. • Please note: some sites have special requirements like applications, background checks, or TB tests. These requirements will be listed in the agency description.

7. Important note about step three… • IMPORTANT! Registering in the database does NOTguarantee you the assignment you select. UWM often works with partners that take service learners from other schools as well, so you must contact your site immediately after selection to confirm/set up your orientation or you risk losing your assignment!

8. Step four: Paperwork and tests • Fill out forms needed by the agency: • Applications, • background check, • SOME agencies require drug screening, TB test, etc. • Fill out forms needed by UWM: • Service Learning Agreement. • SOME classes also have a Service Learning Contract. • Timecards (done throughout the semester and turned into your instructor at the end, just like a paper)

9. Step five: complete your service It is your responsibility to get set up quickly with your service-learning assignment. Be sure to attend orientation / training, be on time to all weekly service sessions, and if you can not make it, call your site supervisor. Treat this like any other class requirement, and represent UWM in a positive and professional manner.

10. Spring 2013 timeline Database Placements Complete January 18th Classes Begin January 22nd Service-Learning Class Orientations January 22nd- February 1st Online Registration for SL Assignment* January 22nd- February 1st SL Placement Selection Deadline February 28th Spring Break March 18th- March 22nd Last Day of Semester and Service-Learning May 9th Final Exams May 13th- May 18th -- * After February 1st students must have approval from instructor to select or change a placement. -- Check with your instructor to see when Time Sheets are due