SL Definition and Key Components
Service Learning Definition:
"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 curricular content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of personal values and civic responsibility " (Bringle and Hatcher, 1995).
Key Components in Service Learning Course
The SLAC reviewed several models to determine key components for success in university-based service learning. While we acknowledge that service learning models will vary by discipline, we recommend that every NIU service learning course do the following:
- Provide meaningful engagement with the community
- Make connections between civic learning and course material
- Require a minimum of 20 service hours per course
- Integrate service activities into the course with care
- Understand and use reflection activities as rigorous teaching and learning strategy
Want your course to have a SL designation?
- Fill out the Service Learning Course Identification Form.
- Email a copy of your course syllabus to ugresearch@niu.edu.
- Wait for review by the Service Learning Advisory Committee.
How do I know what courses have a SL designation?
- Your online class schedule: Once a course receives the SL designation, it will be noted in MyNIU with the attribute "SLCC" (Service Learning Course Component) and attribute value "SLCCOPT" (Service Learning Project Required).
- See the list of classes on the OSEEL website: Each semester, a list of SL-designated classes will be posted on the OSEEL website. Students and faculty will be able to see the full list of SL classes offered in any given semester at NIU.