Service Learning Guidelines and Materials

This semester, you will be selecting one of five Community Partners to observe and to serve. Each of them is asking for approximately 20-22 hours of commitment between now and the end of April (typically, between 1-3 hours each week). Much of what you learn during your individual inquiry projects will stem from the time you spend at your community agency, so it is time well spent. Because this class involves both project-based and direct service learning, these hours will also include any required orientation or training, as well as at least one observation period.

Our Community Partners are giving of their own time and resources to enhance your learning experience because they believe in what you are doing. Some (though not all) of them depend on volunteers to make their agency work. Depending on where you serve, for a semester you are "joining" their community of volunteers, while also being a visitor who is interested in doing research into that community. In other cases, you are coming alongside a more permanent staff in order to learn from what you observe and to give back through your observation, your empathy, and your projects. These can be tricky dual roles to play at times, but as long as you remember to be courteous, ethical, and professional in all things, you will be fine. In order to pass ENG W240, you must satisfactorily complete all service hours in accordance with Community Partner expectations—including orientation, attitude, decorum, and engagement—and you must meet your weekly schedule or notify your supervisor as soon as possible whenever you are unable to do so.

Here are some relevant links and materials to aid your service-learning experience:

• Bloomington Transit Schedules
• Campus Transit Schedule
• Consent Form (Customizable for Interviews and Observations)
• IU Office of Service Learning
• Informed Consent Form (for Student Participation)
• Participation Agreement and Release (for Student Participation)
• Service-Learning Time Sheet