Why Service-Learning at the University of South Carolina?

Because it is part of our mission!

The University System - Approved by the Board of Trustees (June 30, 2004)
“Another important facet of the University’s public mission is service – to its community, state, nation, and the world in such areas as public health, education, social issues, economic development, and family support systems. Founded in 1801 in Columbia, the University of South Carolina began providing programs in communities statewide in the 1950s in response to community initiative and support for accessible, affordable educational programs principally for local citizens.”

USC Columbia - Approved by the Board of Trustees (April 1998)
“An important mission of the University is to engage its considerable resources in service to the state and society for the purpose of cultural enrichment, the dissemination of knowledge, and the enhancement of the overall quality of life. USC Columbia’s teaching, research, and service programs affect every part of life in South Carolina.”

Carolina Service-Learning Initiative

Mission: The Carolina Service-Learning Initiative at the University of South Carolina seeks to engage students, faculty, and community organizations in service-learning partnerships by offering support in creating intentional service experiences that are integrated into curriculum across disciplines.

Definition: Service-Learning in The Carolina Service-Learning Initiative integrates meaningful community service with academic coursework and purposeful reflection, in an effort to create an out of the classroom experience that enhances academics and benefits the community and students involved.

While the topics and projects employed in service-learning courses vary, Campus Compact (1999) provides a widely-accepted definition of this pedagogy: "Service-learning is a teaching method which combines community service with academic instruction . . . . Service-learning programs involve students in organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to the community."

Values:

• To engage in a reciprocal relationship, benefiting both the community and the service providers by combining a service experience with a learning experience
  
• To enhance the existing academic experience by connecting theory and practice
  
• To develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of what it means to work towards advancing the well-being, respect, and dignity of individual humans and humanity beyond oneself.
  
• To become a more engaged and active participant in the local and global community.
  
• To engage in values clarification and reflection to promote ethical, moral, and spiritual development.
  
• To develop an understanding of what it means to be an active and responsible participant in our world community.

Learning Outcomes: Service-Learning should support the University of South Carolina General Education Learning Outcomes

The Carolina Service-Learning Initiative originated in a report created by the Provost’s Service-Learning Taskforce