Our students' learning experiences at Hilbert College may begin in the classroom, but will continue beyond the boundaries of the Hilbert College campus. The Office of Service Learning & Community Engagement, located in the Center for Student Involvement & Leadership, encourages students to learn and develop through active participation in service experiences that are coordinated in collaboration with the college and partners in the local and global community.
What is Service Learning?
Service Learning ties a student's academic coursework with "real world" situations. Students can see the theories and issues they are discussing in class in a real life setting. In addition to boosting student learning and building awareness of community and social issues, students are exposed to new potential career opportunities and often experience a tremendous amount of personal growth. Students' reflections on their experience are guided by faculty and are critical components of service learning.
Benefits to Students
Engagement in service-learning has been demonstrated to show positive effects on students':
- Sense of personal efficacy and personal identity
- Spiritual growth
- Moral development
- Interpersonal development
- Ability to work well with others
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Sense of social responsibility
- Citizenship skills
- Commitment to service
- Community involvement after graduation
- Academic learning
- 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." )
Service Learning Requirement
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 Placements
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.
Student Responsibilities at Community Partner Sites
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 posses 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
Service Learning Documentation
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.
Service Learning Forms
Service Learning Policy
Service Learning Student Responsibilities
Service Learning Student FAQs
Additional Service Opportunities
Catholic Charities Service Corps
Teach for America
AmeriCorps
The Service Collaborative
Peace Corps
Philadelphia Teaching Fellows
Franciscan Community Volunteers