What is Service-Learning?

The Points of Light Foundation describes this teaching option as the linking of two words:

• Service: Students provide valuable services to their community; and

• Learning: Students reflect on that experience in structured ways that enhance their learning. 

This growing area in higher education is distinguished from other experiential education approaches by benefiting both the provider and the recipient of the service.

Why do Service-Learning?

WCU Faculty report benefits that include more engaged learning and students having a better understanding of the course goals. In additions, it is energizing, meets the University Plan for Excellence goals and can assist in the tenure and promotion process.

WCU Student Learning Outcomes Assessment projects show the following benefits:

• builds critical thinking skills
• enhances academic performance
• fosters engaged learning
• promotes active citizenship
• improves self-esteem and self-concept
• develops a service consciousness and ethic
• exposure to diversity and a global society
• teaches leadership skills
• increases a sense of social responsibility
• provides career exploration and insight

In 2008-2009 students contributed 208,820 hours of service, with 142,967 hours from Service-Learning courses.

WCU Service-Learning Workgroup

We can be resources for questions.

Service-Learning Workgroup  2009- 2010

Convenors:  Maggie Tripp, Office of Service-Learning & Volunteer Programs, B-19 Killinger Hall, x3379, 

Hannah Ashley English	Mary Beth Gilboy Health Sciences
Paul Arsenault Marketing	William (Bill) Lalicker English
Michele Belliveau Undergraduate Social Work	Gopal Sankaran Health Sciences
Eleanor(Ellie) Brown Psychology	Linda Stevenson Political Science
Eileen (Eli) DeHope Undergraduate Social Work	Andrea Varricchio Foreign Languages, Spanish
Dave Delgado Health Sciences