Community-Based Learning Policy
Community-based learning is a pedagogy that integrates explicit academic learning objectives, preparation and reflection with meaningful work in the community. It focuses on learning through assignments that involve the application of theory to practice and result in improved student learning outcomes, including enhanced understanding of course content, critical-thinking skills, retention, sensitivity to diversity and the ability to apply academic concept. This policy will allow the campus to clarify, define, tag and assess community-based learning courses.
Criteria for Community-Based Learning (CS) Designation
Each CS course or section must:
- Involve students in community-based learning activities or projects that are responsive to community-identified needs.
- Be arranged in partnership with community-based or campus-based organizations.
- Integrate course theory/concepts with service in the community that directly addresses community needs (i.e., a situation where theory/concepts can be tested in practice or a situation where community needs demand innovative solutions).
- Require students to integrate the learning derived from service with course learning outcomes through critical reflection exercises; discussion; and written, oral and/or media presentations.
- Provide students an opportunity for consistent engagement in the community focused on at least two of the learning outcomes listed below.
Community-Based Learning Student Learning Outcomes
Each community-based learning course must meet at least two Community-Based Learning student learning outcomes as a result of completing a community-based learning course.
- Self and Social Awareness: Students will develop an understanding of the social, cultural and civic aspects of their personal identities.
- Service and Social Responsibility: Students will develop an understanding of social responsibility and the connections between short-term community service and greater long-term societal well-being.
- Community and Social Justice: Students will develop an understanding of how the actions of individuals and social systems bring about both equity and inequity in communities and society.
- Career Development and Professional Development: Students will develop career skills needed to address the cultural, linguistic, humanistic, artistic, economic, scientific, social and/or civic issues of our time.
- Multicultural Community Building/Civic Engagement: Students will learn from and work responsively and inclusively with diverse individuals, groups and organizations to build more just, equitable and sustainable communities.