What is service-learning?
Service-Learning is experiential learning that links meaningful, real-world community service projects to an academic course.
Is service-learning the same as internships?
- Although service-learning and internships are related, service-learning is unpaid community service that is integrated within a course, while internships are usually paid positions that are career-focused.
- In addition, students in a service-learning course often learn content and skills that would otherwise not be included in the course, such as interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.
Is there a service-learning requirement for graduation at SUNY Cortland?
At this time there is no graduation requirement at SUNY Cortland for service-learning participation.
What are some examples of the types of community service that I could perform?
There are many different service learning opportunities available, including
- Mentoring / tutoring children
- Mentoring adult learners
- Assisting the elderly
- Participating in environmental projects
- Helping developmentally-challenged children and adults
- Creating newsletters and Websites
- Participating in urban forest projects
- Conducting health-advocacy projects
- Participating in electoral projects
How is service-learning integrated with a course?
Professors integrate the service-learning into their courses in different ways. Some include a project that lasts for part of the course; others require students to conduct community service projects that extend through the entire semester.
What if my instructors do not offer service-learning and I want to participate?
You may contact John Suarez, Coordinator of Service-Learning, at suarezj@cortland.edu or at (607) 753-4391. You can also visit him at his office in the Learning Commons (on first floor of Memorial Library). You may also wish to speak with your instructors and tell them of your desire to participate in a service-learning project and ask if they will work with you on arranging such an activity.
Can I do my service-learning where I currently volunteer?
This depends on the course and on the instructor. In most sections of CPN 102 and 103, for example, you would probably be able to do so.
How many hours do I have to volunteer?
This depends on the course.