Service Learning (SL)

This course is an option for an undergraduate student interested in pursuing learning through service as an experiential learning requirement for graduation. The student will commit to and complete a minimum of 10 hours of service work at a community service organization, which may include GCU, under the guidance of a GCU instructor. Prior to starting the project, the student must get the approval of the instructor (on CareerLink). Following the completion of the project, the student will write a reflection paper showing how (1) the application of their college education helped in the service activity and (2) the service activity enhanced their higher learning and personal growth. The instructor will evaluate the paper in consultation with the supervisor at the community organization. This is a noncredit course that will be graded pass/fail and will satisfy an experiential learning graduation requirement.

This course will be an option for a student interested in pursuing learning through service, working with a community service organization, to earn 1 credit. A student wanting to register for this course must contact a faculty service fellow who will serve as the advisor. The student, in consultation with the advisor, will develop the learning goals and identify an appropriate community service organization for the student. Then, working with the Office of Career Services, the student will contact the organization and make suitable arrangements for participation in the service activity. The student must commit to and complete a minimum of 30 hours of service work. While participating in the service activity, the student should make arrangements with the advisor for regular conferences to report on the progress of the service activity. The student should engage in library research about the community service organization and its mission, and how the student’s contribution contributes to the organization achieving its mission. Following the completion of the project, the student will write a reflection paper showing how (a) the application of their college education helped in the service activity and (b) the service activity enhanced their higher learning and personal growth. The advisor will evaluate the paper in consultation with the supervisor at the community organization. The course may be repeated, and the student may apply a maximum of three credits toward the degree. This course will be graded pass/fail and will satisfy an experiential learning graduation requirement.