CSL for Faculty

What is Community Service Learning?

Community Service Learning is an experiential learning approach which links community-based experience with course content. It involves a range of activities intended to benefit the student and the community partner while maintaining a focus on academic learning. Students are graded on assignments that enable reflection and connection between course content and community experiences.

Here are some benefits to incorporating Community Service Learning into your course:

  • Incorporates theories and concepts taught in class with community-identified opportunities, with a focus on academic rigour.
  • Increase student engagement, retention, and motivation towards their learning (Patrick et al., 2008, Kuh, 2009, McRae et al., 2018)
  • Encourages innovation, collaboration, and partnership building with community organizations that can potentially lead to valuable stakeholder relationships (Peters, 2012).
  • As a pedagogy, CSL enhances accessibility by respecting the principles of Design for Leaning (Bonati, 2019).

Supports Available to Faculty

Interested in incorporating Community Service Learning into your course? To get the process started, please reach out to the Community Service Learning Placement Coordinator, Novella Nicchitta at novella.nicchitta@smu.ca

Novella will provide support on developing Community Service Learning component in your course. She can assist in everything CSL related including:

  • Integrating experiential learning into your syllabus and incorporating CSL assignments
  • Seeking CSL projects and opportunities with community partners
  • Processing risk evaluations for each opportunity
  • Maintaining relations with community partners
  • Supporting students in their community experiences throughout the term.
Contact us
Career & Experiential Learning
902-491-6248
4th, Floor Student Centre
Mailing address:
Saint Mary's University
923 Robie Street

Social media