UConn is proud to offer an increasing number of Service Learning courses across disciplines and schools. Advisors can play a vital role in raising awareness and increasing student interest in Service Learning courses. We ask your assistance in ensuring students understand:
1) when a course may have a service learning component,
2) what SL means for the student (service project integrated with coursework),
3) how the University Academic Plan and mission support this type of coursework,
4) that the University has received the Carnegie Designation based upon outreach and service learning initiatives
5) the student benefits that stem from these unique experiential learning opportunities
Definition: Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.
UConn Mission
The University of Connecticut is dedicated to excellence demonstrated through national and international recognition. As Connecticut’s public research university, through freedom of academic inquiry and expression, we create and disseminate knowledge by means of scholarly and creative achievements, graduate and professional education, and outreach. Through our focus on teaching and learning, the University helps every student grow intellectually and become a contributing member of the state, national, and world communities. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, we embrace diversity and cultivate leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. As our state’s flagship public university, and as a land and sea grant institution, we promote the health and well-being of Connecticut’s citizens through enhancing the social, economic, cultural and natural environments of the state and beyond.
Carnegie Designation/Classification
UCONN’s Commitment through Outreach and Service Learning
In 2010, UConn earned the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Engaged Institutions. The classification for Community Engagement is an elective classification, meaning that it is based on voluntary participation by institutions. The elective classification involves data collection and documentation of important aspects of institutional mission, identity and commitments, and requires substantial effort invested by participating institutions. It is an institutional classification; it is not for systems of multiple campuses or for part of an individual campus.
Classification Definition
(http://classifications.carnegiefoundation.org/descriptions/community_engagement.php)
Community engagement describes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.
The purpose of community engagement is the partnership of college and university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.
Student Benefits
Intellectual Growth & Development |
Social Growth & Development |
Personal Growth & Development |
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