Service-Learning

We need to engage our students more fully in the lives of our community, and in the celebration of the democratic ideals which define this state and this nation."
University of Hawaii President, David McClain, (March 2006)

Service-Learning Fair
September 2, 2009
11AM-4PM
'Ohi'a Cafeteria

Notice: New orientation added: Saturday, 9/12 11AM-12PM Olona 201

Service-Learning Fall 2009 Courses

Service-Learning Fact Sheet (updated Fall 2009)

Service-Learning Orientations

Community Partner Directory

Service-learning is a teaching and learning method in which students provide meaningful service in the community to help them better understand what they are learning in their college courses. Service-learning is embedded in academic courses and focuses on critical thinking and problem solving, personal development and community responsibility.

Service-learning is offered as an optional assignment and students who participate can expect to serve 20 or more hours per semester at community sites. Kapiolani Community College offers dozens of service-learning courses each semester and is recognized as a national leader in service-learning and community engagement.

Courses providing service-learning opportunities

Benefits of Participation

Fall 2008 Scholarship Recipients

Successful pathway students can qualify for paid student leadership positions and scholarships. For more information, contact the Service-Learning Office.

Other benefits include:

• Using your knowledge, skills, and attitudes to help build a stronger community, locally, nationally, and globally
• Learning how to identify and partner with community organizations
• Gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of course content and the discipline
• Exploring career opportunities and enhancing your resume
• Working and communicating with individuals of all ages and backgrounds
• Developing writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Learning about cross-cultural and intergenerational communication skills
• Exploring policy and developing advocacy skills

Past Events and Projects.

In May of 2006, students from the University of Kansas, St. Mary's University, and Park University teamed up with students from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and KCC for the "Global Solutions" project. As part of this project, the students produced the Building a Healthy Community website tailored to the specific needs of residents of Palolo Valley.

Service-Learning Instructions (updated August 24, 2009)

Service-Learning Course Matrix

The Service-Learning Course Matrix is list showing the courses the service-learning option is offered in and the different "pathways" through which they can do service-learning for that particular course.

Step 1: Orientation and Registration

Both orientation and registration are two of the required elements of Service-Learning. Attend an orientation between September 2 and 15 (see Calendar for the schedule) and you will learn more about service-learning and what's expected of you during the semester, as well as opportunities, incentives and more. Registration forms will be available at orientation. This form includes basic information about you, a waiver (must be signed in order to participate in service-learning), and a community partner agreement form.

Orientation

Service-Learning Orientations are mandatory for all students who would like to take the Service-Learning option in their courses. Nine orientations are scheduled for this semester from 9/2-9/15. Please be sure to accommodate this orientation into your schedule.

Also available here and on the S-L Calendar is a list of a few site-specific orientations. These are required to familiarize you with your site, your supervisor, and the work you will be doing with the community through these schools, organizations and programs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Note: all scheduled events are subject to change/cancellation without notice.

Step 2: Community Partner Agreement
Due: Monday, September 21, 2009

Discuss your duties, roles and responsibilities with your site contact as well as the days and times you will be at the site. Also, before committing to your site, think about your schedule—school, work, family, etc.—and evaluate the amount of time you can spend doing service-learning and, depending on site-specific requirements, include an end date to your commitment. Write this information on the form and make sure you and the site contact both sign it. Turn the signed Community Partner Agreement in to the Service-Learning office by September 21, or you will not be able to participate in service-learning for the semester.

REGISTRATION FOR FALL 2009 OPENS WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2

Step 3: Attend a site specific orientation
Times/Dates vary, but many have dates prior to the September 21 registration deadline.

Contact your site supervisor to find out if an orientation/training is required for participation. Below are a few that we are aware of.

Step 4: Attend a Reflection Workshop

“It’s almost the end of the semester and I haven’t quite figured out how my community project relates to my course: how can I write about my experience?”

Attend one of our scheduled reflection workshops to discuss with Service-Learning leaders and peers about their reactions to service-learning, how it relates to their courses, how it is shaping their “paths” and why it is important. Please bring your thoughts and journals.

Step 5: Timesheet and Evaluation
Due: MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009

Keep track of your hours throughout the semester and log them each week on your paper timesheet. Your timesheet must be signed by your supervisor and turned in to Naio 214 by MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, in order to be counted toward your course requirements.

Step 6: Reflection Essay
Due: MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009

Turn in your reflection essay via the Service-Learning Laulima site by 4pm on December 7. Reflection essays should follow the format your instructor outlined in the syllabus or in class. If no format was given, essays must follow guidelines from the Service-Learning office. All essays must follow upload instructions from guidelines—please respect these for technology compatibility purposes.

Once you’ve done all this, you’ve successfully completed service-learning for the semester! We will notify your instructor that you have officially met all service-learning requirements and you will receive credit for your community learning experience!

Step 7: Service-Learning Certificate of Achievement
Available: After December 18 in Naio 214

To recognize your dedication during the semester, we would like to present you with a Certificate of Achievement in Service-Learning. In order to receive this certificate, you must have submitted a completed timesheet, essay and evaluation. You may have to come by once to make a request and another to pick up your certificate.

Questions? Contact us at kccserve@hawaii.edu or at 734.9353. You can also come see us in Naio 214.