Service Learning Course Components
At KU, the Center for Service Learning tracks service learning course experiences across undergraduate programs. Instructors teaching service learning courses should notify the CSL of their course's existence by submitting the course for official designation.
If you would like to consult with our staff about how to get started, find resources, or make connections with community partners, please contact us at csl@ku.edu.
Service Learning, Defined
Service learning experiences are educational opportunities that:
- involve student participation in an organized service activity that meets community-identified needs.
- incorporate reflection on the service activity in a way that promotes further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the academic area of study, and a deepened sense of civic responsibility.
Service learning tends to take place in course-based, credit bearing experiences or opportunities that support degree requirements (the Certificate in Service Learning, for example). The course must incorporate intentional reflection throughout the course.
Bringle, R., & Hatcher, J. (1995). A service learning curriculum for faculty. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 2, 112-122.
What Should Be Included in a KU Service Learning Course?
For an undergraduate course to be designated as service learning by the CSL, it should meet the following criteria:
- Service learning is included and defined in the course syllabus
- Service is embedded and integrated to help meet course learning outcomes.
- Service completed as part of the course addresses a community identified need.
- The community benefits from the service, project, or research activities conducted through the course.
- Critical reflection assignments are included throughout the course that enhance and assess learning gained from the course service components, including the understanding of the community-identified need.
- Direct service component or project-based activity amount to 20 hours of service.
- Students must have the option to take the course for a minimum of 3 credit hours if the course is variable credit. If your course is less than three credit hours, exceptions can be made if it is part of a series of course that require concurrent enrollment to equal three credits or more. Please contact the CSL to discuss this option if it is relevant.
Why Designate a Class as Service Learning?
Identifying courses as service learning:
- Provides students and instructors with additional opportunities to be recognized through awards, leadership roles, funding, and other recognition opportunities.
- Helps students earn the Certificate in Service Learning, which is notated on their transcripts.
- Streamlines the CSL and KU's process for tracking service learning courses, instructors, and students who engage in this practice.
