Middlesex Community College

Service-Learning at MCC: A Guide for Community Partners

Service-Learning Defined:

Service-Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. ~Learn and Serve America National Service-Learning Clearinghouse

Service-Learning at MCC:

• Students engage in either Individual Service-Learning or Project Based Service-Learning activities. Service-Learning is designed to meet a community need, while providing the students with hands-on experience, exposure to social issues, and the ability to connect with community members.
• Students complete 22 hours of service for one class; 36 hours for two classes and 44 hours for three classes.

Student Responsibilities:

• Complete Service-Learning contract and review with site supervisor during the initial meeting
• Provide community partner with the necessary steps to add themselves to GivePulse. Refer to “GivePulse Student Handout.”
• Set up a consistent schedule at the agency
• Follow the Professional Guidelines for Service-Learning
• Communicate any issues to site supervisor, faculty and Service-Learning staff at MCC
• Input hours into GivePulse database each week and have site supervisor verify hours
• Have site supervisor sign the Verification of Service-Learning Hours form at the end of the experience

Faculty Responsibilities:

• Review and sign-off on the Service-Learning contract to ensure that the student’s experience is congruent with course outcomes
• Provide students with ongoing reflection assignments that will help students connect their Service-Learning experience with what is being taught in class
• Provide advice / guidance if a student is experiencing issues at their service site
• Provide students with the opportunity to discuss their experience with their peers, if applicable

Community Partner Responsibilities:

• Sign off on the Service-Learning contract to ensure that responsibilities at the site tie into the student’s learning outcomes
• Provide students with an orientation and review policies, procedures, and the safety protocol of the organization
• Provide ongoing supervision to delegate responsibilities, provide guidance, and educate students about relevant social issues
• Verify weekly volunteer hours
• Sign off on the Verification of Service-Learning Hours form at the end of the experience
• Complete the Student Evaluation at the end of the experience

Service-Learning Staff Responsibilities:

• Help students find an appropriate service site & assist faculty doing Service-Learning
• Assist students in troubleshooting any issues with GivePulse
• Work with the Registrar’s office to ensure that students receive credit for Service-Learning
• Troubleshoot any issues that may arise for the student or community partner