Beyond the Classroom
Students complete service learning as part of their academic coursework, integrating this experience into their curriculum to foster civic responsibility and enhance their understanding of society.
At Hilbert, our dedication to our community is strong. All incoming students enrolled in traditional undergraduate programs are required to complete service learning as part of an academic course in order to graduate. This commitment made by administration and faculty reinforces the importance of the connection made through service in educating our students and increasing their understanding of society.
Hilbert believes that service is an integral part of creating a well-rounded college experience for our students. Nestled in the sophomore year of our Hilbert Blueprint, service learning provides an opportunity for our students to embrace the college’s mission and values while strengthening our communities.
“Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.”
Benefits to Students
Engagement in service-learning has been demonstrated to show positive effects on students:
- Personal Development: Sense of personal efficacy and personal identity, spiritual growth, and moral development
- Interpersonal & Social Skills: Interpersonal development, ability to work well with others, leadership skills, and communication skills
- Civic Engagement & Responsibility: Sense of social responsibility, citizenship skills, commitment to service, and community involvement after graduation
- Cognitive Development: Academic learning and reduction in stereotyped thinking
(Adapted from:”At A Glance: What We Know about the Effects of Service-Learning on College Students, Faculty, Institutions and Communities, 1993-2000: Third Edition” by Janet S. Eyler, Dwight E. Giles, Jr., Christine M. Stenson, and Charlene J. Gray, August 31, 2001.”)
In keeping with the mission, values and tradition of Hilbert College, students complete at least one service-learning experience as part of an academic course during their Hilbert College career in order to be eligible to graduate.
Service learning is incorporated into certain courses each semester at the discretion of the professor. Courses offering a service-learning component are indicated in each semester’s course schedule.
Students who successfully complete the service-learning assignment for their class, including the required service agreements, time sheets, reflection activities and evaluation, will receive a designation on his or her records and transcripts indicating that service-learning has been completed.
A student who does not complete the service requirement of a particular course, but completed other assignments so that he or she could pass the course, may still pass the course but will not receive the service-learning designation on his or her records and transcripts, and will still be expected to complete Hilbert’s service learning requirement in another course.
Students who complete the service-learning requirement of a particular course, but do not pass the course will not be given credit for the service performed.
Service learning is incorporated into certain courses each semester at the discretion of the professor. When a course does include service learning, service expectations are outlined and explained at the beginning of the course. In some classes, students’ service placements at community partners is determined by the professor; in other classes, students may be allowed to choose their community partner sites.
It is a good idea for all students to check with their professor or the Office of Service Learning & Community Engagement prior to beginning service-learning activities, especially when students are given the opportunity to choose their own community partners to serve.
When fulfilling service learning requirements at a community partner’s location, students are representing Hilbert College. Hilbert and the partner agency expect all students will:
- Be mature, responsible, and possess a positive attitude
- Be punctual
- Dress and act professionally – Cell phones and other electronic devices should be off and out of sight.
- Ask questions, ask for help, if needed
- Follow the rules and regulations of Hilbert College and the community partner
Student resources, such as time sheets and evaluations, can be found below. Students are expected to maintain accurate time records and complete evaluations and submit them to their professor.
There are countless opportunities for students to learn through service to their community. In addition to the academic benefits, a number of local and national scholarships and grants are available for students engaged in service. Check the link below for these opportunities.
There are also a number of ways students can develop themselves professionally, including through the submission of their reflection exercises or a presentation proposal for a local or national workshop. Hilbert’s Office of Service Learning & Community Engagement will help any student interested in pursuing these opportunities. Please contact Rachel Wozniak at (716) 926-8929, or stop by the office located in the Center for Student Involvement & Leadership.
Hilbert College students travel to the Dominican Republic for a service learning trip.
Helpful Links
Service Learning Committee
The Service Learning Committee is an integral part of Hilbert College’s service-learning efforts. Members of the Committee help identify priorities for service-learning, serve as faculty liaisons to other faculty members and community organizations, and support professional development. Committee membership is not restricted to faculty; staff members are welcome and encouraged to serve on the committee.
Committee Members:
Dr. Julie Kusmierz, Psychology
Dr. David Reis, Religious Studies
Prof. Dan Roland, Business Administration
Dr. Amy Smith, English
Ms. Rachel Wozniak, Service Learning & Community Engagement
Contact Us
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Rachel Wozniak
Assistant Vice President for Student Life, Career Development, Service Learning and Community Engagement
