UC Writes About Service-Learning

Keywords: co-op, nonprofit, coursework, mentors, philanthropy

A reflection on the student experience of service-learning courses and co-ops at the University of Cincinnati. Using examples from a course on philanthropy and the experiences of some service-learning co-op students, this essays brings together a variety of student experiences to explore the impact of service-learning at UC on the community and the students.

Keywords: nonprofit, service learning, volunteer, collaboration, community

Practical advice for how to move beyond one and done projects and into longer term service-learning relationships are shared here. These tips have been compiled over a decade of service-learning experience to prevent common obstacles. Following these tips will result in collaborative service-learning relationships.

Keywords: Learning Community, Community Partnership, First Year Experience, Service Learning, and Learning CommonsPr

The Better Place Project is designed to help first year students understand the connection between the University of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati community while also using, and further developing, skills from the classroom. By the end of the initiative, students will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to stay involved within community-based organizations for the entirety of their time at UC.

Keywords: Neurodegeneration; Arts-Based Learning; Intergenerational; Music; Mindfulness; Neuroscience;

Music and the performing arts can be used to foster connection, compassion, and intimacy across age groups, cultural backgrounds, and cognitive abilities. We present a model for music and health science collaboration focused on small-group, arts-based interaction between students in music and medicine, community members experiencing neurodegeneration, and their care partners.

Keywords: Healthcare Disparities, COVID-19, Global Pandemic, Community Partnership, Social Justice

This essay combines the key components of service learning: course content, meaningful service, and critical reflection written from the lenses of an instructor, student, and community partner (SERC, 2022).

Keywords: funding, internship opportunities for gen-1, internships for work study students, low income students, underrepresented minorities, non-profit partner funding for student workers, academic internship program

UC’s co-op learning program has long benefited students in subjects like engineering and computer science that have well-established education-to-career pipelines. Recently UC has created a blend of co-op and service-learning to create similar opportunities for students in the arts and sciences. The results, even during the pandemic, have been outstanding.

Keywords: Service-Learning, Community-Engaged Practice, Healthy Lifestyle Programming, Obesity Prevention Programming, Program Planning and Evaluation

Service-learning provides opportunities for college students to foster civic engagement. The Healthy Bearcats Program in the Health Promotion and Education Program, in the School of Human Services, College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services provides college students with opportunities to engage in service-learning with children and young adults.

Keywords: Leadership, Business Ethics, Community Partners, Non-Profit, Learner Communities

The Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati has long prioritized the first-year experience as the impetus toward shaping well-rounded business professionals. Lindner leadership recognized that to develop business students rapidly and holistically, they should be cultivated as whole persons from the start.

Keywords: Service-Learning, Composition, College Writing, Literacy, Herbert Braun, Covid-19, Indirect Service

Students learn lessons in civic engagement and social justice beyond the normal academic setting by engaging with community partners to meet the needs of their clients. Because of the intensive planning and partnerships required in the initial startup, service-learning can be a challenge for professors, agencies, and students alike. These difficulties were exacerbated by the pandemic and required new approaches to service-learning that took advantage of opportunities for working from home and indirect service.

Keywords: Environmental Activism, Role of Philanthropy, Grantmaking, Professor Intervention, Working with Volunteers, Long-Term Goals, Short-Term Accomplishments, Service-Learning Pedagogy, American Civic Life

Service-learning is a vital pedagogical tool if we are going to create just and sustainable societies. Students need to see and experience the significant social and environmental inequalities that shape American societies, but also gain hope through participating in the dynamic and creative ways folks in our communities are working to address those challenges.

Keywords: Relationship Building, Service-Learning, Virtual/Online Engagement, Learning by Working, Volunteer Database

Service-learning in classes allows students to apply learning and course content in meaningful and relevant ways, while making connections with their community.