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Apply for a Service-Learning Course Designation

Applications for the Service-Learning Course Designation can be found here.

Why apply for a service-learning designation?

Willamette faculty who incorporate Service-Learning in their courses are encouraged to apply for a service-learning course designation for a number of reasons. Designating Service-Learning courses will:

• facilitate the effective tracking of faculty, student, and institutional progress toward meeting Willamette’s commitment to meaningful service;
• provide easily-identifiable information to students and advisors regarding service-learning course offerings at Willamette (e.g., through inclusion in Willamette’s Course Catalog as well as student transcripts);
• recognize the work of faculty leaders on campus;
• aid in the identification of resources and networks to further support service-learning efforts on campus.

What qualifies as a Community Service Learning Designated Course at Willamette University?

In order to be eligible for approval, a course must meet the following criteria:

• The service meets or addresses a community-defined need.
• The service experiences are incorporated in course learning objectives.
• Students carry out at least 10 hours of service per semester.
• The course provides structured opportunities for guided reflection.
• At least 15% of the course grade is based on assignments that link the service to academic content of the course (rather than having an hours requirement that rests “on-top” of a pre-existing course structure.)

Courses that incorporate service/experiential learning components, but do not meet Course Designation standards can still be informally recognized (e.g., on the CSL Web site) for their experiential learning components.

Application Process

1. Complete the Application for Service-Learning Course Designation. Applications must be submitted along with copies of the WU Course Changes Form for the relevant course, as well as the course syllabus or a description of the service component that demonstrates the criteria outlined above.
2. Applications are reviewed by the Director of the Community Service Learning Office for feedback and/or verification that the course under consideration meets or exceeds the standards for Service-Learning as described above.
3. Verified applications are then forwarded by the faculty member to Academic Programs Committee for review and approval.