CSL Annual Report 2010
CSL Strategic Plan
CSL Advisory Board Members:
- Angela Harwood, Secondary Education faculty, Distinguished Faculty Fellow for Service-Learning
- Gabe Gossett, Librarian for Undergraduate Education
- Jennifer Dorr, Executive Director for Washington Campus Compact
- Jennifer Keller, Journalism faculty
- John Korsmo, Human Services faculty
- Joseph Garcia, Director of Karen Morse Institute for Leadership, and Bowman Professor, President’s Office
- Joyce Hammond, Anthropology faculty
- Kathleen Saunders, Anthropology faculty
- Kristi Slette, Human Services & Rehabilitation, Training Specialist
- Liz Jennings, Executive Director for Whatcom Coalition for Healthy Communities
- Rachel Myers, Executive Director for Whatcom Literacy Council
- Ramon Rinonos-Diaz, AS VP for Academics
- Steven VanderStaay, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
What is Service-Learning?
Service-learning is defined as a "course-based, credit-bearing educational experience in which students (a) participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs and (b) reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility." (Bringle & Hatcher, 1995).
For a student perspective on service-learning, read what Western students have to say about their experiences in service-learning courses.
Programs and Services
The Center for Service-Learning offers services that facilitate true partnerships and that meet the common goals of the WWU, local, regional and international communities. Service-learning pedagogy can be applied to any discipline and our faculty and student participants represent all seven colleges of the university.
Our programs and services include:
- Service-learning classroom support
- Linking students to volunteer opportunities
- Faculty Fellows professional development programs
- International service-learning program
- National Days of Service and other events
Values
The Center for Service-Learning upholds four core values that promote the mission and strategic goals of Western Washington University:
Partnerships
We facilitate collaborative relationships between students, faculty, and community partner organizations that share resources, work toward mutually beneficial goals, and value each other's contributions.
Social Responsibility
We introduce Western students to ideas of justice, diversity and citizenship in local and international settings through academic and extra-curricular service activities. By engaging with community stakeholders, students gain a broader perspective of their role in the social, intellectual and human world.
Transformation
We cultivate reflective practices that encourage students to think critically about their experiences and that lead to academic, professional and personal growth. Through examining their experiences, students gain an awareness of their own values, skills, qualities and commitment to social responsibility and life-long learning.
Understanding
We advance the integration of academic learning in a community context, which includes service and reflection. Students apply academic theory in the community classroom, think strategically about complex problems, translate thought into action, and develop effective workforce skills for a diverse society.
© 2010 Center for Service-Learning