Service Learning

Service learning connects theory (academic course content) to practice (community project) for student academic and professional development. Through meaningful community service projects students learn and reflect on community concerns related to their course topic. Students work alongside community partners to address local concerns.

Through guided reflective activities, students connect theory with practice to better understand the role of community to address social concerns. Service learning projects provide reciprocal benefits to enhance student knowledge and address the needs of a community organization to increase their capacity to serve.

Six Elements of Service Learning

Authentic

Meets a real community need

Intentional

Thoughtful and well-planned learning experiences

Connects with Curriculum

Brings classroom learning to life

Reflective

Supports global and ethical citizenship

Impactful

Makes a positive impact in the community

Applicable

Aligns with interests and career goals

Learning Experiences

Students

Participate in a service experience for educational benefits and stronger ties in the community. Select from over 500 approved partner sites.

Community Members

Partner with the CSUSM campus to gain students as active participants in the service learning experience.

Faculty

Create a customized list of approved service learning sites for your students to select from in the Service Learning Placement Database.

In-Person and Virtual Assistance

The Department of Service Learning has in-person and remote assistance for all CSUSM Students.

There are three ways to connect with us:

Visit us: Stop by our shared offices in the Extended Learning Building (ELB) office 284.
- Office Hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Virtual Front Desk: Message the front desk on Microsoft Teams
- NOTE: This is a public channel to ask general questions. Do not share confidential information.
  - Access Microsoft Teams via Web, Desktop or App (PDF)
  - Click on our Placement Questions Channel
  - Your student log-in is username@csusm.edu without the "cougars" part of the email.
Email: servicelearning@csusm.edu