1. REMEMBER – SERVICE-LEARNERS ARE STUDENTS, NOT VOLUNTEERS

Site coordinators/supervisors should keep in mind that service learning students want to help meet community needs but are also using the service experience as a basis for understanding college course material. Students receive college credit not for hours served but for the learning outcome of their service efforts. Please help students think about their experience at your site as they relate to the social issues your organization addresses.

2. PLAN AHEAD

A clear, written description of tasks, responsibilities and preferred skills for service learning students should be prepared and submitted to the service learning staff for inclusion in our site list. This allows students to assess the compatibility of their course learning objectives with community agency needs and also helps the service learning staff make appropriate placement recommendations. It is recommended to define effective and creative ways of involving service learning students within the framework of the agency. Please note that projects which carry some degree of responsibility and involve client contact are ideal.

3. BE SELECTIVE: SOME STUDENTS MAY NOT MATCH YOUR NEEDS

Service learning staff members may refer service learning students to your agency or students may contact you on their own. In either case the final decision is yours. If a student’s qualifications and/or motivations are not in harmony with your needs then it is your right and obligation to say no and request another student.

4. ORIENT, TRAIN AND SUPERVISE

Students require a carefully structured orientation from your agency, staff and clients. Preparing in advance answers to the following questions might be helpful: “Where do I fit in? How do I get things done? What do I need to be aware of? What is expected of me? How do I get information/support if the coordinator/supervisor is not available? How should I prepare for the work I will do?” Students must be aware of your mission and the societal issues facing your agency and it is your job to provide them with this information.

5. BE REALISTIC WITH YOUR TIME COMMITMENT AND EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

Each semester spans 14 weeks of classes and one week of exams. Students are generally serve at least 10 hours and, in some cases, 20 hours for a class. If a student wishes to continue working with an organization after serving their hours, then arrangements can be made between the agency and the student. Continuing a service relationship with students after projects are completed is at the sole discretion of the agency.

6. INVOLVE, TEACH AND MENTOR

Supervisors are expected to help students throughout the assignment interpret their experiences and the relationship between the work they are doing and the work of the agency. The student-supervisor relationship is one of the most significant parts of the service learning experience and often determines the success of the placement. Supervisors are truly a partner in the student’s education and should view themselves as “educators.”

7. TALK TO PARTNER!

Keep the instructor informed of any concerns, problems, successes or other pertinent issues related to the placement and/or student.