Activities can qualify as service-learning if they meet the following criteria. Sometimes there are grey areas; please contact the SL Director (KaraBrascia@boisestate.edu).
- Community Need: The SL experience addresses a community-identified need (such as food security, affordable housing, human rights, youth asset building, intercultural connections, climate change, etc.) and promotes well-being and/or sustainability. The SL project makes a clear positive community impact, often by increasing community capacity, reducing barriers, or building community.
- Community Project: The community is involved in planning the project, ensuring it is meaningful and addresses its specific needs. This involvement can come from two main sources: (1) Organizations like non-profit organizations* or public agencies working for the common good; or (2) Individuals or experts with deep knowledge and experience of the community’s issues.
- Learning Experience: The SL experience supports students in achieving specific learning outcomes, including academic learning and civic/community learning. The student demonstrates their learning through a project or reflection.
- Time Investment: The student’s investment in this project is 10+ hours.
Students who complete a project that meets these criteria can gain a Service-Learning transcript distinction for that class (if the instructor has applied for SL designation for that course). This distinction demonstrates students’ commitment to serving the community while actively participating in hands-on learning.
* Policy Notes
Policy notes on working with community partners:
- The organization should carry liability insurance covering volunteers. Please review the Risk & Safety FAQs for more details.
- Students should not include activities that involve lobbying or require religious instruction and/or worship.