Service Learning Booklet

Service Learning and Community Engagement

get involved

partnered with more than

60

community-based service organizations

OSLACE the office of service learning and community engagement

est. 2009

Service Learning Service learning is a teaching and learning method that focuses on promoting a deeper understanding of course content through real world experiences. These experiences are structured to positively impact the students and the broader community.

students Service learning courses allow students to gain a deeper understanding of course content through experience in a specific field. They also increase awareness of social and community issues, promote development of better collaboration and communication skills and provide chances to establish valuable professional contacts.

become empowered

faculty By linking course content to the real world, service learning courses reinforce and enhance classroom experiences. The SL course designation process begins with a faculty member designing a course that supports the mastery of academic objectives through service to the community.

Specific guidelines for SL course designation are found on the OSLACE

website at www.montevallo.edu/osl.

Service learning courses are delivered in all four UM colleges and have included experiences such as tutoring, financial planning, marketing, community development, art installations, sustainability initiatives and health promotion. OSLACE provides ongoing support to faculty members, staff and students interested in any community outreach effort.

teach through experience

community partners An organization can become involved by completing a Community Partner Information and Project Request form in order to publicize volunteer opportunities and promote the integration of these experiences into academic coursework.

Partner benefits include improved public relations with the community, fresh ideas and insights from college students, and a potential source of new hiring recruits in the future.

promote engagement

signature programs The University has partnered with Shelby County Community Services to develop the Falcon Scholars in Action program in which 25 UM students are selected each year to serve clients in agencies and programs throughout Shelby County. In exchange, students are provided an annual $2,000 stipend, invaluable professional experience and postgraduate connections.

Blueprints College Access Initiative connects Montevallo High School students with UM student mentors to prepare them to be career- and college-ready after graduating from high school. The semester-long program culminates in a field trip to UM, where MHS students get a taste of college life.

Last year, the David Mathews Center for Civic Life (DMC) hosted a two-day workshop in which Montevallo Middle School students identified community needs and potential actions. Students coordinated three community town hall meetings to debut their visions.

These forums resulted in the formation of the Montevallo Junior City Council, which meets regularly with the mayor to develop the youths’ vision of the community.

stay connected

Center for Global and Community Outreach 845 Valley Street, Station 6006 205.665.6077 servicelearning@montevallo.edu www.montevallo.edu/osl Hollie C. Cost, Ph. D., Director costhc@montevallo.edu

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