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What is Service Learning?
Service Learning or Experiential Learning, blends a student’s volunteer work with
studies in one or a combination of fields, such as sociology
or composition. It builds on “service” or volunteer
work in that the student combines his or her field experience
with class readings, research, discussion, and (perhaps most
importantly) personal reflection.
How many credits do I earn
by taking a Service Learning course?
You'll earn one extra credit.
For example, if you take and pass Academic Writing in the Community I or II (CPN
102 or
CPN 103) you'll receive a four credits.
How many service hours do
I need to contribute?
The requirement for spring
2002, is 30 hours of service.
That doesn't include time
spent attending meetings, traveling to and from the job site,
or writing reports or journal entries.
Your service should average 2 hours per week.
Do the Academic Writing in the
Community Courses satisfy the requirement for taking composition
courses?
Yes.
Academic Writing in the Community I can be substituted for CPN 100,
while Academic Writing in the Community II can be substituted for
CPN 101.
Do I have any choice in my Service Learning experience?
You certainly do. By attending
a Service Learning Job Fair early in the semester, and
by reviewing handouts from participating agencies (community
partners), you are encouraged to make informed choices regarding
the agency you wish to work for and the work you wish to perform.
Do I just make a single choice?
No. We ask you to make three
prioritized choices. We'll do our best to honor your first choice,
but we need to consider requests of other students (sometimes requests
outnumber available spots for certain jobs) and agency requirements.
What happens if I don't have
any transportation?
Most jobs are either on
campus or a short walking distance from campus (less than a mile.)
If you don't have transportation, don't request a job that requires
a vehicle. Some agencies, like Bridges for Kids, have out-of-town
openings, so be sure to indicate your lack of, or possession of,
transportation on the application.
How do I know what courses
have a Service Learning component?
You can check with the English
Department (ext. 4307). You can also ask your advisor. You can ask
the registrar. you can check the SUNY Cortland
website. Or you can
click
here to look at the Service Learning schedule
in the English Department for the upcoming semester.
What happens if I have problems
with my Service Learning job?
Sometimes problems do occur.
If a problem arises, deal with it quickly. Talk with your supervisor
and any others involved, and be sure to let your instructor know.
What happens if I really don't
like my Service Learning work?
First of all, put your problem
in perspective: you only have to contribute 30 hours of your
time; it's not like you've chosen your life's work. Hang in there.
Be patient, tolerant, and philosophical. Most work, even volunteer
work, can have its share of drudgery, boredom, or difficulty.
Focus on the positive aspects of your service learning experience
and on your greater objectives. But if you really experience
severe difficulties performing your assigned duties, let your
supervisor and your instructor know. Perhaps you can be assigned
to a different job or task.
We invite you to browse our
new website.
Check the left column on this and following pages
for links to take you to other pages.
Service Learning
Benefits Everybody!
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