Forming Service-Learning Partnerships

Step 1: Decision Making

Determine whether you are looking for a service-learning course partnership, interns for your organization or volunteers to support your work. If it is service-learning, then you are in the right place!

• Service-Learning 101: Blend of learning and service, i.e., students apply learning in a community setting to meet community needs. Learn more.
• Internship 101: Learning-focused, i.e., job training and career networking. Learn more.
• Volunteering 101: Service-focused, i.e., serve a community or organization to further their mission. Learn more.

Step 2: Learn the Process

When setting up a service-learning course, it is critical to plan ahead. Like all successful relationships, service-learning partnerships take time and energy to truly grow into mutually beneficial, reciprocal relationships.

Partnership Timeline

Partnership Checklist

Building Relationships & Clarifying Expectations (July for fall; November for spring)

• Connect with instructor/partner and foster a meaningful relationship
• Share course/partner goals and clarify expectations, i.e., time commitments, classroom/site visits, level of students, draft syllabus
• Establish communication plan, i.e., student contact frequency, instructor contact frequency, platform
• Discuss funding, research opportunities, and IRB as needed
• Connect with the Office of Service-Learning as needed for additional support

Finalizing Commitments (August for fall; December for spring)

• Complete appropriate forms and share with all partners, i.e., syllabus, learning contract, photograph release, background checks, etc.

Implementing & Monitoring (August-December for fall; January-May for spring)

• Conduct bi-weekly check-in’s for new partnerships; mid-semester check-in’s for advanced partnerships (instructor)
• Meet with students to evaluate/adjust service (instructor)
• Meet with partner to evaluate/adjust service (instructor)

Evaluating & Assessing (December for fall; April for spring)

• Conduct evaluation surveys, interviews, etc. with students, partners, instructor and for the partnership (Instructor evaluation; Student evaluation; Community Partner evaluation; and Partnership evaluation)
• Host partnerships brief with all partners
• Continue to build and foster the relationship as needed