SYLLABUS LANGUAGE for “SL Option”
In some classes, students can turn a class project into a SL project. Below is suggested syllabus language for these classes (adapt to fit your course):
Syllabus Language
“This class includes a service-learning option. SL is an educational opportunity that gives students hands-on experience applying what they learn in the classroom to a community-identified need, while gaining valuable workplace skills, expanding their perspectives, and developing an understanding of their role within their community.
Students can gain service-learning (SL) distinction if:
- 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.
- The community is involved in designing the project, ensuring that it is meaningful and addresses its specific needs. This involvement can come from two main sources: organizations like non-profits or public agencies working for the common good, or individuals/collectives/grassroots experts with deep knowledge and experience of the community’s issues.
- 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.
- 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. This distinction is free, and it demonstrates your commitment to serving the community. To participate, students should consult with the instructor to determine an appropriate project within the first four weeks of the semester. Service-Learning projects must meet the same criteria as non-SL projects.
At the end of the semester, faculty send to the SL Director the names and ID numbers of students who completed the Service-Learning option. The SL Director sends the list to the Registrar, who will attach the SL distinction to these students’ transcripts for that class.