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Design Your Service-Learning Course

Whether you want to brainstorm ideas for service-learning (SL) or start planning your course, this page outlines recommended steps and dates to keep in mind. The SL staff can assist you through the entire planning and implementation process.

Feel free to skip to Gaining SL Designation.

Before Course Design

  1. Investigate SL (definition, examples, formats, etc.)
  2. Review an overview of the SL planning and designation process to see what’s involved
  3. Access staff support:  Contact the SL Director, Kara Brascia, to discuss what SL could look like in your course, what’s involved, and how SL staff can assist.
  4. Develop and expand teaching skills for SL (optional but recommended)

Design Your Course

1.  Start developing your syllabus
Review the syllabus checklist

2.  Design the SL experience with community partners
Connect with community partners

3.  Integrate effective practices
– Integrate reflection
– Design SL assignments
– Evaluate and assess

4. Apply for SL designation
Apply for designation by submitting your SL Plan or SL Assignment, and your syllabus to the SL Director (karabrascia@boisestate.edu).

Peer reviewers will use this Reviewer Checklist to offer feedback along with formal SL designation approval.

Before Launch

  1. Skim the implementation steps
  2. Plan how you will explain SL to students
  3. Participate in SL workshops and events during the year
  4. Think about risk, safety, and contract requirements (call SL staff, who know all about these things)

Extra Resources

Full SL Faculty Video Playlist