Community Service Learning

  • Community Engaged Learning

    • Apply your skills and knowledge to social issues, making a tangible difference in your community.

    WHY Community Service Learning?

    Community service learning is a dynamic educational approach where students immerse themselves in meaningful, well–structured learning experiences in collaboration with non-profits or public organizations addressing community-identified needs.

    This method fosters mutual benefits, enriching both students and community partners, while promoting students’ growth through critical self-reflection.

    Benefits and Outcomes

    Fosters collaboration and exchange of knowledge between students and community members. Gain fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to problem-solving.

    For Students

    • Integrated academic theory with practical application
    • Deepens understanding of course content through applied experience
    • Develops critical thinking, problem solving, and project management skills
    • Improves communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities
    • Fosters a sense of civic responsibility and social awareness
    • Enhances self-awareness and empathy through reflection on diverse perspectives

    For Community Partners

    • Gain access to students’ energy, creativity, and specialized skills
    • Enhances the capacity to address community needs and implement projects

    WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

    Duration

    • Curricular community engaged learning opportunities may involve part-time hours and can last from a few hours to a number of days or weeks over the course of an academic term. The timelines vary and will be set within the course the CSL is embedded.
    • Co-Curricular community engaged learning opportunities may be one-time experiences or longer-term over flexible durations.

    Recognition/compensation

    • Participating in curricular community service learning experiences count towards course or program completion requirements.
    • Co-curricular community service learning opportunities are unpaid, and typically do not provide academic credit.

    ELIGIBILITY AND APPLYING

    Program Requirements

    Curricular

    • Participation is part of coursework and may be a requirement for students enrolled in a specific course or a requirement of the academic program of study

    Co-curricular

    • Open to all students, typically take place during reading weeks in winter term 1 or 2

    How to Apply