The Process of Certification in Service Learning
Overview
Certification in service learning offers a chance for students to utilize their classroom skills to meet community needs and earn recognition at the same time.
The four components required to earn certification in service learning can be completed in almost any order, as long as the reflection sessions are finished last:
The first component, Classroom Experience, emphasizes academic coursework that involves service learning as a method of engaging the course material.
The second component, Independent Project, emphasizes the application of principles of service learning to a project initiated by the student independently.
The third component, Directed Readings (assigned by the Center for Service Learning), focuses on basic knowledge of the principles of service learning and community engagement.
The fourth component, Reflection, is comprised of two one-hour discussion sessions designed to integrate the directed experiences in the classroom, the independent experience, and the directed theoretical readings.
To get started, fill out the CSL Enrollment Form and return it to us.
Component 1: Classroom Experience
Students must complete the service in a designated service learning course. A list of approved classes may be found here.
*Note: Since the list of classes change frequently, a student may suggest a course to the Center for Service Learning to be included on the list. The Center will then seek approval from the department chair or dean to have the class added to the list.
Component 2: Independent Project
Students may complete the Independent Project by completing the service in a second service learning course, participating in an alternative break or mission trip, volunteering at a local community agency, or by serving as a leader in a student group. Contact us with questions or to discuss other options for completing the Independent Project.
After completing Component 2, students must submit the Documentation of Student Participation Form to the Center.
Component 3: Directed Readings
The Center for Service Learning will assign a set of directed readings that address principles of service learning. These readings include 3-5 articles or book chapters. The student should be familiar with the readings upon attending a reflection session/writing the reflection paper.
Directed readings for this semester may be found here.
Component 4: Reflection
There are two options for completing the reflection component of certification. The first option is to attend two one-hour reflection sessions at the Kansas Union (reflection session schedule found here).
Alternatively, a written reflection of 8-10 pages may be submitted. Guidelines to help with the reflection paper can be found here.
Certification Checklist
There are three different tracks that may be followed in order to complete the certificatation in service learning. Please fill out the checklist for the track that best suits your course of study.
If you are a Leadership Studies Minor, please use this checklist.
