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Service-Learning

What is Service-Learning?

  • Experiential learning that links learning in the classroom with activities that students participate in to address the needs of the surrounding community.
  • An effective strategy for enhancing student learning, improving educational experience and fostering civic engagement.
  • Service-learning courses typically include structured time for students to reflect on and discuss the service experience.
  • A strategy for meeting important community needs and building a partnership between the university and local community.

Service-Learning at Stony Brook University

Undergraduate College of Leadership & Service (LDS)
The College of Leadership & Service is housed in H-Quad.  It encourages students to explore the meaning of community service and leadership – two keys to career success and life satisfaction.

Examples of Past LDS Courses

  • Creating Social Change
  • Leadership in Today’s Environment
  • Community Service for Organ-Donation Awareness
  • Leadership in Sports
  • Leadership and Community Service Initiatives

 

Community Service-Learning Minor (LCR)
The minor in Community Service Learning (department code LCR) combines coursework with experience in public service. Building on foundation courses in theory and methods of community research, students design a curriculum tailored to their respective interests. Through mini-projects and research internships, student work with community partners to assess needs, develop programs of community-based action and evaluate the effectiveness of such programs.

LCR Courses

  • The Nature of Community
  • Methods for Social Action Research
  • Directed Research in Community Service-Learning
  • Internship in Community Service-Learning
  • Senior Seminar in Community Service Learning

 

Virtual Center for Community Service and Service-Learning
The Virtual Center for Community Service and Service-Learning promotes community service projects and events which students and faculty can take part in; highlights individuals and groups who engage in service activities; supports faculty who want to incorporate service-learning activities into the classroom; and cultivates the spirit of service among the greater SB community.