S.O.U.L.S. Service Learning

Suggestions for Service Learning Syllabus Elements

Incorporating Service Learning project information into your syllabus is an important step in integrating the service component into the course. It helps clarify expectations and requirements for students, and streamlines administrative processes. When writing about the service learning component in your course syllabus, consider including the following elements:

• Whether the service learning component is optional or required. If it is optional, how/by when do students need to indicate that they are choosing this option? What other assignments does the optional service learning component replace?
• The number of hours of service that each student must perform.
• The learning objectives for the service learning placement. This can be a brief statement, which will help the students connect the service component to the academic learning objectives of the class.
• A description of the community partner organizations (i.e. the organization’s mission, the population that they serve, etc.)
• A description of the actual service component
• A description of the reflection activities connected to the service component (i.e. journal, class discussions, reflection papers, etc.)
• Important dates, including when students must elect to pursue the service learning option (if applicable) and/or their service site, date of the Service Learning orientation, date when students must submit required service learning paperwork, due dates for reflection assignments, final date to complete service hours.
• The name, contact information, and office hours of your Service Learning Teaching Assistant
• Location and contact information for the S.O.U.L.S. Center