Why Service Learning?
Service learning is an innovative pedagogy (educational approach) that empowers students to learn through active participation in meaningful and planned community service experiences that are directly related to course content. Through reflective activities, students enhance their understanding of course content, sense of social responsibility, general knowledge, self-awareness, and commitment to the community.
[Service learning as pedagogy] decenters the authority of knowledge in the classroom and intentionally places community in the center of the learning process.
John Saltmarsh and Kerri Heffernan, Integrating Service with Academic Study, Campus Compact
COVID-19 Updates
- All Service Learning activities are encouraged to be performed virtually/remotely. We are currently resuming face-to-face placements. Students must complete the steps below.
- ALL students participating in Face-to-Face activities MUST submit a current copy of the sites COVID-19 Guidelines by completing the Student Placement Request: COVID-19 Site Safety Review for Face-to-Face Activity in Stan Serves S4 when completing the placement forms.
- Students participating in virtual/remote Service Learning need to complete the required documents on the StanServes S4 website.
- Please contact Breanna McIntyre at bhale1@csustan.edu regarding questions about the placement process.
StanServes S4 website is where you go to complete the required documents for your service learning course(s). Sign-in to StanServes S4 website with your Warrior Username and Password to select your site and complete the required paperwork for your volunteer service activity.
Tutorials For Stan Serves S4:
- View a step by step S4 Student How-To sheet (PDF). This is a one page guide to help you use StanServes S4 for your Service Learning course(s).
- View a full tutorial for the S4 Student How To Powerpoint (PDF).
- How to Track Your Time in StanServes S4 (PDF).
The Service Learning program goals are framed through the lens of student learning, and the faculty have developed specific student learning objectives to accompany these important service learning program goals. Students participating in service learning are expected to achieve the following student learning outcomes:
- Apply discipline‐specific and/or interdisciplinary knowledge and critical thinking skills to community issues. (Program Goals 1,2)
- Demonstrate critical self‐reflection of oneʹs own assumptions and values as applied to community issues. (Program Goals 2,3,4)
- Demonstrate knowledge and sensitivity to issues of culture, diversity, and social justice as applied to community engagement. (Program Goals 2,3,4)
Service Learning can make a difference in your education to empower you through:
- Leadership Development
- Direct Experience to Enrich and Apply Classroom Knowledge
- Career Exploration and Professional Development
- Broadened and Deepened Social Consciousness
- Non-Traditional and Creative Learning Environment
- Civic Engagement
- Social Justice
- Intellectual Pursuit
- Strengthened Community
The Office of Service Learning is here to help you with any questions you may have concerning service learning experiences and opportunities.
Additionally, the California State University system has established risk management policy and procedures for students participating in off- or on-campus service learning courses. To understand more about the university's risk management procedures, please see the Student Guide to Risk Management.
Updated: April 06, 2023