myCSUSM
For Students
Service Learning Support Events
- Service Learning Placement Information Sessions
Grab a bite to eat, learn how to search for service learning sites, and complete required forms.
- 1/26 and 1/31, 12-1pm, via Zoom;
- 2/14, 12-1pm, Kellogg 1109.
- Service Learning Community Partner Fair
Looking for a site? Meet many of our community partners!
- 2/7 ,11:30am-1:30pm, University Plaza (if rain, Kellogg Terrace)
- Service Learning and Civic Engagement Supplemental Office Hours
Drop by to get questions answered.
- Wednesdays (2/15-3/8), 12-2pm, Kellogg 1109.
Service Learning Events Calendar
Getting Started With Service Learning -
Steps to Finding and Selecting a Service Learning Site, and Completing the Placement Process.
- Step 1: Review Course Objectives
At the start of the course, your instructor will provide you with a syllabus and details for your Service Learning assignment.
Each course will have guidelines for the number of hours, service learning sites and types of opportunities you may participate in.
All Service Learning sites must be approved by your course instructor.
- Step 2: Identify Potential Service Learning Sites
Consult with your course instructor to see if they have pre-selected community partner sites for their course.
Search the Service Learning Database for opportunities that meet your course learning outcomes.
Still struggling to find a site?Review our lists of popular sites linked below.
Identify three sites you would be interested in completing your service learning hours with for the semester. Collect the name of the opportunity and Site Staff contact information.
DO NOT PLACE with a site before emailing the Site Staff.
All Service Learning sites must be approved by your course instructor.
- Step 3: Apply for Service Learning Opportunity
The process of finding a service learning placement is similar to applying to a job. You will need to send a professional email to the Site Staff to confirm they are accepting volunteers.
Review the Service Learning Introductory Script/Guide for tips on contacting sites.
DO NOT PLACE with a site BEFORE receiving confirmation from the Site Staff that they are willing to accept you as a service learning volunteer.
Haven't heard back? Send at least one follow up email, and feel free to try them by phone.
- Step 4: Complete Placement Forms
Once you have received confirmation from the Site Staff, confirm with your course instructor the site meets course learning objectives.
Begin the placement paperwork process by logging back in to the Service Learning database. Click the Continue button to confirm your placement and fill out the Placement Forms.
Watch the Service Learning Placement and Information session webinar to learn how to make a placement in the database.
For step by step instructions please view: Placement Instruction Presentation PDF.
• A copy of your placement will be automatically sent to the site supervisor email you provide in the form.
- Step 5: Beginning your Service Learning
Confirm with the Site Staff Contact and your instructor that they have received your placement information.
Email your Site Staff contact to identify your first day of service, and if possible, confirm your schedule.
Meet with your Site Staff on the first day to discuss your service project tasks, course learning outcomes related to your project, and site expectations of service learning volunteers.
Your course instructor will provide course information such as when you may begin your service learning, assignments/projects, timekeeping information, and other important information.
Make sure to check in frequently with your service learning course and service learning Site Staff for updates and details regarding your service learning opportunity.
PDF of Service Learning Placement Instructions Guide - Scroll to page 5 for instructions on how to narrow your search in the database.
Explore the Service Learning Opportunities Database
Additional Service Learning Resources
Additional resources can be found on the Student Resources page.