Definition
At the University of Northern Iowa, service-learning is a class-based experience, co-created with community partners, intended to expand and deepen discipline-specific knowledge and skills, strengthen the community, and develop a student’s sense of civic responsibility. Service-learning is the integration of service and learning to enhance each.
In service-learning classes:
-
Students build critical thinking and professional communication skills.
-
Service-learning activities align with academic coursework, providing a deeper understanding of the academic discipline.
-
Service-learning activities align with community strengths and needs.
-
Faculty prepare students to work with the community partner.
-
Service-learning activities prepare students for active citizenship and social responsibility.
-
Faculty engage students in purposeful and guided reflection.
-
Service-learning builds students’ cultural competence for engaging with diverse populations in diverse settings.
The University of Northern Iowa supports service-learning work and initiatives through the Service Learning Institute and Course Designation.
For more information about Service-Learning at UNI, contact Dr. Julianne Gassman via phone 319-273-2204 or email julianne.gassman@uni.edu.