Service-Learning

A Service-Learning course

• uses experiential strategies characterizd by student participation in an organized service activity
• is connected to specific learning outcomes
• meets identified community needs
• provides structure time for students to analyze and connect the service experience to learning

Process for Requesting the "SERV" Course Attribute

On May 30, 2007, the Council on Academic Affairs approved the proposal for policies and procedures for approving and designating courses as service-learning. This addition facilitates students’ ability to locate service-learning courses and provides standards for course design across the university.

If you are interested in requesting "SERV" designation for your course, please consult the following information:

Addition of "SERV" designation to Existing Courses

The appropriate course change form is submitted according to existing procedures within the department/school and college. Course syllabus is submitted to the Service-Learning Scholars Roundtable (SLSR) for advice and comment from a committee of five university faculty/staff from areas appropriate to the content of the proposed course. Advice and comment from the committee goes back to the Arts and Sciences Committee on Curriculum and Instruction.

Procedure for Proposing a New Course with "SERV" designation

* Propose course according to existing procedures within the department/school and college. College Curriculum Committee sends course syllabus and checklist to the Service-Learning Scholars Roundtable (SLSR) for advice and comment.
* Faculty and departments are strongly encouraged to use the expertise of the Service-Learning Initiative in course development.
* The Program Director of the SLI convenes a committee of five university faculty/staff who are SLSR members and from areas appropriate to the content of the proposed course. Advice and comment from the committee goes back to the College Curriculum Committee and the to the Arts and Sciences Committee on Curriculum and Instruction.

Checklist for the Development of Service-Learning Courses

Elements of a Service-Learning Course

Colleges of the Arts and Sciences Curriculum and Assessment Office Resources

Resources for Developing a Service-Learning Course

If you are interested in developing a partnership with a community organization for a service-learning course, you have several options:

1. Contact ASC Community Partnerships. We work with community organizations in a regular way through our advisory committees and can sometimes help you identify a good potential community partner.

2. Look at the Community Connection web site. Community Connection is an Ohio State sponsored database that can match community organizations, students, faculty, and staff with long-term or short-term community service opportunities.

3. Ohio State's Office of Outreach and Engagement and Ohio State's Service-Learning Initiative periodically hold workshops on developing partnerships.