Service-Learning

Definition, Criteria, and General Information for Service-Learning (SL) Course Approval

University of Central Florida: Experiential Learning

CSEL 300  | (407) 823-4395  | Jason.Smith@ucf.edu

For Fall 2019 courses, submissions are due September 18th to Jason.Smith@ucf.edu

Information sessions for the Service-Learning designation: dates TBD

DEFINITION

The University of Central Florida defines service-learning (SL) as a teaching method that incorporates the learning objectives of a credit-bearing course with student participation in community service projects. Students apply theories and skills learned in the classroom to address community needs and social responsibility as they gain an appreciation for the relationship between civics and academics.

To attain an SL course designation, the SL activities must be with nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, public schools, the philanthropic arm of for-profit organizations, or other initiatives approved on a case-by-case basis.

The experience may not be simply co-op, internship, clinical practicum, or other activities designed to meet student-learning needs. Although these experiential learning opportunities develop and/or demonstrate implementation of course competencies, which are integral to the student’s learning, they do not generally meet the SL requirements.

CRITERIA

The basic criteria for designating an existing course as an SL course at UCF are as follows:

• Addresses a need in the community (campus, local, regional, global)
• Meets one or more course objectives
• Demonstrates a clear connection between the service activity and the course content
• Involves reciprocity between course and community that results in students’ increased civic awareness and engagement
• Involves structured student reflection
• Involves collaboration with an appropriate agency representative
• Involves at least 15 hours of student service to the community agency
• Not a venue for promoting religious or political agendas nor is it to be used for recruitment of students, those served, or other residents of locations visited for religious or political efforts. (See Faculty Handbook)

Please review the SL Evaluation Rubric.

Courses may be submitted for sections unique to the faculty member or for all sections of a course. For submissions to designate all sections of a course, consent of the Department Chair is required before the request will be considered.

APPROVAL PROCESS

To have your course Service-Learning designated, please submit your completed proposal packet via email to the Experiential Learning Director, Jason.Smith@ucf.edu. The course designation application form and process can be found here.

After designation is approved by a committee appointed by the Director of Experiential Learning, the course/course section will be eligible to have an SL designation on the schedule of classes.

Service-Learning Advisory Council 2017-2018