| 1. How do I enroll into Service Learning? |
- Students enroll into Service Learning through a CNM course where an instructor is offering it as an option to a course assignment or as extra credit.
- Attend a student orientation as scheduled during the first two weeks of class. Students may not enroll without attending orientation (see schedule). Students should NOT contact agencies before attending orientation.
- Students decide (if the instructor hasn't previously decided) which agency site they wish to perform service and at and contact the agency for an interview. If the student is accepted at their selected site, arrangements are then made between the student and agency supervisor to begin their service learning.
- Students must provide a copy of their course syllabus to the agency representative.
- Students must complete the CNM Service Learning Official Letter of Agreement and Enrollment form, obtain agency and instructor signatures, completed and submit the Letter of Agreement and Enrollment form by the deadline as indicated.
| 2. Do I get credit for the service I provide to the agency? |
- No, credit is given for the learning that takes place during the service work that has been provided to the agency. The service learning work must be related to the course content of the class.
- When a student performs service learning for a course, the faculty member will request that they write a paper, present or take a test on what was learned through the service learning experience. It is the learning that is graded. The agency site acts as a living classroom for the learning to take place.
- The Service Learning office does not give credit to the students. The instructor gives credit to the student, once the student has completed the course and service learning requirements.
| 3. Can I do Service Learning anywhere I want? |
- No. Service Learning can only be performed at a CNM approved agency site.
| 4. What happens if I perform Service Learning at an unapproved site? |
- No approval will be given for enrollment from the Service Learning office.
- Your placement will be strictly voluntary.
| 5. What is the different between volunteerism and Service Learning? |
- Service Learning is the combination of community service and classroom instruction, with a focus on critical reflective thinking as well as personal and civic responsibility (AACC 2002). Service Learning programs involve students in organized activities that address local needs while developing their academic skills and commitment to their community. Service Learning is related to but does not include volunteerism, cooperative education, practicum's, or internships.
- Volunteers serve in whichever capacity necessary to help an agency meet its needs. Volunteers may not be associated with an academic program.
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For additional differentiation between Service Learning and Volunteerism please contact:
Maria Nancy Valenzuela, Outreach Specialist, can be contacted at (505) 224-3071 (office) or email to mvalenzuela11@cnm.edu
| 6. What happens if I cannot complete my Service Learning at an agency site? |
| 7. Who do I contact at CNM for program information or concerns? |
| 8. What forms do I take to the agency interview? |
- Students will bring a Letter of Agreement & Enrollment Form, 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 form has 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 students syllabus for the course they are doing the service learning in.
IF YOUR INSTRUCTOR OFFERS SERVICE LEARNING, YOU MUST ATTEND AN ORIENTATION SESSION IN ORDER TO ENROLL IN SERVICE LEARNING.
Agency representatives, faculty and students are welcome to attend an orientation to learn more about service learning. Attending orientation does not obligate you or guarantee acceptance in Service Learning.
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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. |
