Service-Learning for Faculty

Whether new to Stockton University, or just new to Service-Learning, it is helpful to understand what Service-Learning is and how it works.  Service-Learning is a teaching methodology a faculty member uses in a course, but it is so much more.  It is a way of engaging with the community, learning about the environment we live in and move through, and applying the theoretical knowledge of what students are learning in the classroom in real-life situations.  It is also about leaving the community partners and organizations that students serve with better than when they found them -- either through their commitment, their energy, or their knowledge.  

Here’s a quick example -- in Ethics & Teamwork in Healthcare, Stockton students volunteer with assisted living communities to facilitate group activities for their residents.

In some courses, students do less direct service, and conduct research for a community partner or local non-profit organization.  In some courses focused on public relations or marketing, students develop websites, promotional materials, or help the community partner get the word out about an event.  

 

Service-Learning Designation Procedure

Service-Learning (SRLN) courses require course approval to be designated as SRLN. 

Interested in teaching service-learning at Stockton University? Here are the current steps:

  1. Review the SRLN application

     

    Review the application.

    The application is available here: SRLN Course Approval Application

    SRLN Application

  2. Review a sample application and syllabus

    Review a sample application and course syllabus

  3. Meet with Service-Learning Staff 

    Meet with Taylor Coyne - Coordinator of Service-Learning to discuss ideas/answer questions

  4. Draft and Submit Your Application

    Submit your Application. 

    Please follow the applicable timeline of when you plan to teach your course as Service-Learning. (It is imperative that we approve and have the SRLN attribute added to the course prior to precepting days)

    • Planning to teach your course in the Fall semester?
      • Application will be due by February 1st
    • Planning to teach your course in the Spring semester?
      • Application will be due by August 1st
    • Planning to teach in the Summer term?
      • Please contact Taylor Coyne to discuss further

Service-Learning Faculty Syllabus Language

Faculty teaching Service-Learning with designation should include the following language on their syllabus:

Service-Learning

This course: [insert your course name] is designated as Service-Learning.

Service-Learning at Stockton University is a form of experiential education that allows you to simultaneously serve the community and learn academically by participating in guided volunteer work that is directly tied to the academic material covered in a specific course. For more information, please visit: https://stockton.edu/general-studies/service-learning/index.html

GEN 3851 Service-Learning Experience is designed to complement [insert your course name] by providing a structured framework for students to reflect on their semester-long service experience in relation to both academic content and personal growth. As part of this course, students are required to complete a service project with a community partner while engaging in guided reflection activities. Further instructions on the service project and/or hours will be provided by your faculty member.

The GEN 3851 course includes four core assignments that prompt critical reflection on key themes such as civic responsibility and real-world problem solving. These assignments are intentionally designed to deepen students’ understanding of course concepts, foster meaningful reflection, and emphasize the reciprocal impact of service on both the community and the student.

Upon successful completion of all required service project and/or hours and assignments, students will earn a GEN 3851 Service-Learning Experience Pass, which will be recorded on their academic transcript in recognition of their commitment to experiential learning and community engagement.

Additional details regarding assignments and course expectations will be provided by Taylor Coyne, Coordinator of Service-Learning.

SRLN Attribute

The course taught by that faculty member will retain that attribute, unless the faculty member decides to remove the attribute and teach it without the Service-Learning component.

The SRLN attribute is held by the faculty member for that particular course.