AGENCY: Frequently Asked Questions

Service Learning links:  Agency Description | Agency Resources | Faculty Resources | Student Resources | What is Service Learning | Orientation Schedule | Important Dates

In order for an agency to be included in the listing, the following must occur:

• A CNM representative must conduct a site visit and meet with all the contact personnel the students would be reporting to.
• The agency must attend a mandatory CNM Service Learning Agency Orientation.
• CNM must have on file a signed agency/CNM Letter of Agreement form, Agency Description form, and a copy of the agency liability insurance.
• Proof of not-for-profit status (if applicable).

No, agencies are free to accept students that meet their criteria for non-paid persons on their premises, such as volunteers. Service Learning is different than volunteerism, but following your agency procedure for the interviewing and acceptance of volunteers would be a good practice for service learning students.

Yes, agencies may require more hours than the 15. Students are required to fulfill the minimum of 15 but are informed if they are accepted at an agency that requires more hours that they are bound to that amount. Students are instructed in orientation that serving more hours can mean additional learning and work experience that may benefit them in the future.

Maria Nancy Valenzuela, Outreach Specialist, can be contacted at (505) 224-3071 (office) or email to mvalenzuela11@cnm.edu

Service learning students may work on any number of projects at your agency site. The projects must be related to the course outline that the student is taking the service learning through (see student syllabus). Students working on a project not related to their coursework may not receive credit for their leaning experience.

Yes, any time given to the student for reflection upon what they are doing for you and how it relates to their coursework is beneficial. Students will learn more and understand their service further.

• Students should be asked the questions on the provided list (presentation hand out or printed out from the Service Learning Forms page. You may also use your own organizations volunteer interview form.
• Students should be asked for the following:
  • The Letter of Enrollment/Agreement and Timesheet
  • A copy of their course syllabus (this will allow you an opportunity to plan their work at your site)

• A call must be made to the CNM Service Learning Coordinator to explain the situation.
• The procedure that you would follow to release a volunteer should be the same procedure followed to release a service learning student. Preferably, you have met with the student to discuss the situation prior to release. If the situation is not remedied, then your agency procedure should be followed.
• A letter documenting why the student was released and efforts on your behalf to prevent it should be sent to the Service Learning Program, 525 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106.
• All documentation should be received by the CNM Service Learning Coordinator within 48 hours of initial contact regarding release.

Yes, agencies have been removed from the CNM listing. An agency may be removed for the following:

• At the agency's request
• Unresponsive to students calls and or CNM calls
• Student evaluations indicating a difficult learning environment ( the evaluations are researched and facts are gathered prior to making a decision)
• Agency is deemed unsafe to students
• Failure to provide necessary documentation
• Not attending required agency orientations

• Students will bring a Letter of Agreement & Enrollment Form, course syllabus and Student Timesheet. The Enrollment Agreement needs to be signed by the agency supervisor and student. The student then takes it to their instructor for their signature. The form is then routed to the Service Learning Office for data entry. A student is not enrolled in service learning until the forms have been processed.
• The timesheet is the documentation that records the student's work at the agency site. It needs to be signed by the agency supervisor and should remain on the agency premises until the CNM required hours are fulfilled (this may vary between instructors and agency sites). It is important that the timesheet be returned to the student before the term ends so that they can receive a service learning certificate (pending fulfillment of other duties).

The information is located in the CNM Service Learning Agency Listing and contact information is located in the Service Learning Agency Orientation packets.

The general number for the Service Learning Office is (505) 224-3071 (office) or (505) 553-9870 (cell) or fax (505) 224-3268.

The Service Learning Program is a proud recipient of a Corporation for National and Community Service Grant. The program is also the 1999 National Bellwether award winner and the 2004 Community College National Center for Community Engagement Service Learning and Civic Engagement award winner.