Center for Civic and Social Responsibility

About Service Learning


"Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities."
(National Service Learning Clearinghouse)

Students in a service learning class participate in community service that relates to what they're learning in the classroom. Student service not only fulfills community needs but also increases student understanding of course material through real-world experience and reflection. A service learning class could include several kinds of service:

Direct Service

  • Working with the clients of a nonprofit
  • Example: volunteering time at the Lawrence Community Shelter


Indirect Service

  • Working to help the mission of a nonprofit organization but not working directly with the clients
  • Example: helping create a marketing campaign for KU's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)


Advocacy

  • Working on behalf of a cause to help educate the public
  • Example: handing out fliers about domestic violence on Wescoe Beach


The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.