"This was the best thing I have ever done in college... Without this service-learning experience, I feel like I could have possibly made the wrong choice for a major/minor combination. I'm grateful that it was required to graduate and that I found the opportunity through Blugold CareerLink as well." -Jess, Sociology major
The Center for Service-Learning provides a connection between students and community partners for service-learning projects - both locally and globally. As an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, you are required to complete at least 30 clock-hours of approved service-learning to promote your learning experience and development through participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences. When deciding on a service-learning project, keep in mind that service-learning projects counted towards the degree requirement can only be in 15 or 30 clock-hours. Satisfying the service-learning degree requirement can be done through one 30 clock-hour project or two 15 clock-hour projects (Of course, going above the requirement is strongly encouraged). For more detailed information, consult the Center for Service-Learning Guidebook or visit our Frequently Asked Questions section.
Finding a Service-Learning Project
Finding a meaningful service-learning project can be both a fun and challenging task. A nice place to start is looking for projects that are in your area of interests (not necessarily in your area of study). The Center for Service-Learning provides an extensive up-to-date list of projects and events listed by our community partners that be found by logging into the online system. Still having trouble finding a great service-learning opportunity? Check out some of the upcoming events in Eau Claire or ask community members (even faculty) around campus. You can even follow the Center for Service-Learning on Twitter to be the first to hear about some of our latest and greatest service-learning opportunities. Happy Hunting!
Starting a Service-Learning Project
Before you begin your service-learning project for your university requirement, you will need to find a University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire faculty mentor. This university employee will be responsible for verifying your work with your service-learning project in the community. As part of verifying your work, a reflection activity - ranging from presentations to journals - is typically done between you and the faculty mentor. It is in your best interest to put a lot of thought into your reflection activity as your project mentor is ultimately responsible for providing confirmation on your completion of the service-learning requirement. If you need help with finding a project mentor, a great place to start would be your academic advisor. Do you think you're ready? Start a Project"Service-learning was a fun and necessary requirement! I wish there had been a program like this set up in my high school. As college students, we are often so busy that we don't think we can add more into our schedule, but I'm glad our university encourages us to get involved in the community"
-Erin, Psychology major
Managing Project(s)
Students, faculty, and community partners will now have the ability to manage and track their service-learning projects through our new online system. The online system allows you to easily see what actions are needed to be completed to fulfill the service-learning graduation requirement for UW-Eau Claire. Additionally, managing projects with the new system will help reduce paperwork and better connect students with their project supervisors and mentors. Students who are unable to find the community supervisor they have chosen to work with should contact the Center for Service-Learning with the community supervisor's contact information so an account can be created for them. If you have any question or experience any issues, please contact srvlearn@uwec.edu or visit the Center for Service-Learning.
Posting Community Projects
Community supervisors are able to post projects that UW-Eau Claire students can search through using our online system. Posted projects should meet the criteria laid out in the Center for Service-Learning Guidebook. If you are unable to access your online service-learning account (or haven't had a username created), please contact srvlearn@uwec.edu for account creation and maintenance.
