Marie E. Leichliter-Krause, Ed.D., Director
Minors
Overview
The goal of Service Learning is to provide a laboratory in which learning experiences address human and community needs and provides the necessary time for reflection on those experiences. Service opportunities are structured to promote student learning and development. Desired learning outcomes include: acquiring a sense of civic and social responsibility, gaining exposure to cultural and socio-economic differences, applying classroom learning, and mastering new skills. With the exception of students completing a minor in service leadership, no more than four credits of service learning will be applied toward the baccalaureate degree. Credit for participation in service learning experience must be awarded during the same academic year of participation.
Community service is a tradition at Waynesburg University that continues to find expression through the service projects of student organizations and religious groups, as well as scholarship programs such as the Bonner Scholarship programs. The service initiatives of these groups are implemented in conjunction with the Center for Service Leadership. The Center promotes and directs service activities taking place on campus and in the community. Through community service initiatives, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to become responsible citizens as well as to become part of the solutions to the social problems facing our society. Opportunities to participate in service trips to major U.S. cities, Appalachia, and international destinations are also available.
Waynesburg University offers a service-learning experience for one credit hour. This course, which is part of the general requirements for the Waynesburg University baccalaureate degree, provides the student with an opportunity to participate in service to a needy, non-profit organization for a minimum of thirty hours in a semester. Students are expected to reflect upon this experience and consider its implications for their future lives with a faculty mentor. A variable credit option is available to students seeking additional service opportunities. A Service Leadership Minor Program is available for students interested in more active involvement and application of their educational experience.
Fulfilling the Service Learning Requirement
Students may fulfill the requirement by completing at least 1 credit from the following:
- SLR 105 Service Learning I
- SLR 106 Mission and Service Trip
- SLR 255, 355 or 455 Service Learning Added Credit Option
Some departments include the service learning requirement in their curriculums:
- Education: SLR 107 Service Learning for Education
- Nursing: NUR 419 Clinical Prevention and Population Health
Service Learning Requirement for Military Service (Non-credit)
The service learning requirement is satisfied for those students who are on active duty or who have a general or honorable discharge from military service. Evidence of military service is provided to the Registrar's Office through a copy of a DD form 214.
Service Learning Requirement for Other Volunteer Opportunities (Non-credit)
The service learning requirement is satisfied for those students who can document participation in the Peace Corps (i.e., Certification of Service for Employment Purposes or Description of Service) or AmeriCorps (i.e., Employment Verification). The Registrar's Office can provide information on acquiring such documentation.
Participation in any other volunteer opportunity will be considered, with conclusive documentation, on a case by case basis by the Director of Service Learning.