Mini Service-Learning Workshops

Teaching for Impact: A CETL Mini‑Service-Learning (SL) Workshop Series

This CETL mini‑workshop series is designed to help faculty learn about and explore service‑learning, connect their courses to service (i.e. Day of Service) to enhance learning, and build strong, reciprocal partnerships with the community — all through short, practical sessions.


Each workshop is 50 minutes, hands‑on, and designed for faculty across all disciplines. Each session will be offered twice, once in-person and once on Zoom.

Participants that attend at least two or more sessions will receive a $250 stipend. In addition you will be given priority for up to $1500 in support of a service project.  

Community Engagement

Workshop Schedule 

Sept. Workshop 1-  Service-Learning Basics

Thursday, Sept. 24,  3:30 - 4:30 Rod Library 387

Friday, Sept. 25, 2:00 - 3:00 on Zoom (Link will be shared upon registration)

To register for the September workshops please click here.

What this session covers:  

A friendly introduction to service‑learning (SL) and how it enhances student engagement, critical thinking, and real‑world learning. Faculty explore simple SL models and see examples of how SL can be integrated without redesigning an entire course.

You will leave with:

  • A clear understanding of what SL is (and isn’t)
  • 2–3 easy ways to incorporate SL into any course
  • A sense of how SL naturally connects to Day of Service
     


Oct. Workshop 2- Enhancing Learning Through Service: Syllabus Design

Thursday, Oct. 22, 3:30 - 4:30pm in person  Rod Library 387 (confirmed)

Friday, Oct. 23, noon-1:00pm on Zoom  (Link will be shared upon registration) 

What this session covers:  

A practical, hands‑on session focused on designing a syllabus that meaningfully integrates service‑learning (SL). Faculty will explore ways to connect SL activities to course outcomes, build reflection into assignments, and scaffold student learning before, during, and after service experiences. The session highlights light‑lift strategies that strengthen learning without requiring a full course redesign.

You will leave with:

  • A clear understanding of how SL aligns with course outcomes and assessment
  • A draft syllabus language section that explains SL expectations to students
  • A menu of assignment ideas (reflection prompts, pre‑work, post‑work, mini‑projects)
  • A plan for how your course can connect to UNI’s Day of Service

Nov. Workshop 3- Co‑Creating with the Community

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 3:30 - 4:30pm  in person Rod Library 387

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 3:00 - 4:00 on Zoom  (Link will be shared upon registration)

What this session covers:  

How to build authentic, reciprocal partnerships with community organizations. Faculty learn how to initiate conversations, identify community‑driven needs, and design projects with partners rather than for them. Staff will suggest potential community partners, share insights on current needs, and help faculty make the initial connections that support meaningful co‑creation.

You will leave with:

  • A simple co‑creation planning template
  • Support from staff in identifying partners and initiating outreach
  • One potential project or partnership idea shaped by community priorities

Feb. Workshop 4 - How to Engage with Day of Service (Even If You’re Not Implementing a Project)

Wednesday Feb. 17, noon-1pm in person Rod Library 387

Thursday Feb. 18, 3:30-4:30 on Zoom  (Link will be shared upon registration)

What this session covers:  

Not every faculty member will implement a project this semester or on Day of Service. This session highlights multiple ways faculty can support Day of Service through reflection, discussion, encouragement, attendance, or small course connections.

You will leave with:

  • A list of low‑lift ways to support and enhance your classroom with Day of Service
  • Strategies for encouraging student participation
  • Ideas for reflective or discussion‑based activities

March. Workshop 5- Pulling It All Together: Teaching & Serving

Tuesday March 9, 3:30-4:30 in person Rod Library 387

Wednesday March 10, 3:30-4:30 on Zoom  (Link will be shared upon registration)

What this session covers:  

A culminating session where faculty finalize their service-learning projects, share ideas, coordinate across departments, and identify next steps. The session ends with a collection of highlighted service-projects, opportunities for connection with Day of Service, and a sense of ongoing or next steps on your engaged teaching journey.  

You will leave with:

  • A finalized plan for your SL course(s)
  • Clarity on next steps and needed support
  • A sense of shared momentum across campus