Service Learning + Volunteer Network
Connecting students to the community
The Volunteer Network connects UW-Eau Claire students with volunteer service opportunities in the community. This program, previously the CALL program, was established in 1974 upon the principles of service and learning through community involvement and volunteerism.
In 1995, UW-Eau Claire identified service-learning as an essential component of a comprehensive baccalaureate degree. The Center for Service-Learning was established to develop and implement this new requirement for graduation. While the Volunteer Network and Service-Learning share similar missions and resources, they are stand-alone, independent programs. Although volunteer activities through the Volunteer Network may be adapted into a service-learning project, students completing activities through this program do not automatically fulfill the service-learning requirement. What follows is an explanation contrasting Service-Learning with the Volunteer Network.
| Service Learning | Volunteer Network | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Coordinator | Benita Wagner Center for Service-Learning Schofield Hall 226 phone: 715-836-2270 email: wagnerbj@uwec.edu |
Katy Rand Activities, Involvement and Leadership Davies Center 222 phone: 715-836-4803 email: randka@uwec.edu |
| Program Goals | Assist students in meeting an academic requirement for graduation | Match students, faculty/staff and community volunteers with community needs |
| Academic Credit | Non-credit or credit (associated with an academic class) activity | Non-credit activity |
| Individuals Involved | Student Faculty/Staff Sponsor Community Partner (Agency) |
Student Agency |
| Type of Service | Assist students, faculty/staff and community partners with developing community service projects that meet identified community needs and make meaningful contributions to student learning. | Any type of volunteer service for non-profit agencies |
| Planning | Student initiates contact with Community Partner, then develops a project description in consultation with Faculty/Staff Sponsor and Community Partner | Student contacts Agency personally, but can receive assistance on finding a specific opportunity if desired |
| Length of Service | Minimum of one 30-hour project or two 15-hour projects | Varied hours of service, from one-time projects to one-year commitment |
| Reflection | Student meets with faculty/staff sponsor to process learning objectives | Completed at the Agency’s discretion |
| Evaluation | Community Partner completes evaluation of student and project | Completed at the Agency’s discretion |
| Compensation | Volunteer or compensated | Volunteer |