Service Learning (SL) and Civic Engagement (CE) Committee
This website is for educators thinking about the best ways to engage students in service learning and civic engagement opportunities. Both SL and CE are Experiential Learning Opportunities (ELOs) and can have a CUNYFirst attribute or designation, which makes these courses 1) easy to locate with a basic search and 2) easy to track.
The City University of New York’s (CUNY) ELO Task Force published “A Plan for Experiential Learning” in 2016 and Hostos’ SL-CE Committee founder and former chair, Professor Sandy Figueroa, served on the committee that drafted the report.
What is service learning?
Service learning is a type of experiential learning opportunity (ELO) that places equal emphasis on the service provided to the community and structured opportunities for learning through reflection and engagement.
What is civic engagement?
According to the CUNY’s ELO Task Force, “Civic engagement is a teaching and learning focus on educating students as citizens. Classes or programs include meaningful civic education and activities for social good. Classes and projects have components of reflection and engagement.”
What is available on the SL-CE Committee pages?
- Our Members page includes photos and bios for all members of the SL-CE Committee.
- Our Courses page includes information for faculty who are interested in 1) developing a SL or CE class, 2) submitting a SL or CE class for CUNYFirst designation, and/or 3) seeing examples of SL and CE courses.
- Our Reports page showcases video showing authentic student responses to engaging in SL and CE projects and authentic responses from faculty regarding the teaching experience.
- Our News page will show SL and CE Committee updates, annual or periodic reports released by the committee, and Hostos CC or other press releases highlighting SL and CE experiences of faculty and staff.

Sandy Figueroa
Sandy Figueroa
Associate Professor, Business Department
SFIGUEROA@hostos.cuny.edu
(718) 518-6512
Room: C-511O
More Info

Hector Soto
Hector Soto
Assistant Professor, Behavioral & Social Sciences
HSOTO@hostos.cuny.edu
(718) 518-6716
Room: A-346
More Info

Carlos Guevara, M.S.
Carlos Guevara, M.S.
Co-Director, CTL/ Director of Office of Ed Tech
Cguevara@hostos.cuny.edu
718.319.7974
Room: B-418A
More Info

Eunice Flemister
Eunice Flemister
Lecturer, Education Department
EFLEMISTER@hostos.cuny.edu
(718) 518-4167
Room: A-107I
More Info

Amy Ramson
Amy Ramson
Professor, Behavioral and Social Sciences
ARAMSON@hostos.cuny.edu
(718) 518-6568
Room: B-335
More Info

Elizabeth Wilson
Elizabeth Wilson
Director, Early College Programs
EWILSON@hostos.cuny.edu
(718) 518-6839
Room: B-417A
More Info

Lisanette Rosario
Lisanette Rosario
Director of Career Services
LROSARIO@hostos.cuny.edu
(718) 518-4311
Room: D-210E
More Info

Simona Prives
Simona Prives
Assistant Professor, Humanities
SPRIVES@hostos.cuny.edu
(718) 518-6704
Room: C-412
More Info

Eileen Newman
Eileen Newman
Executive Director, Center for Bronx Nonprofits
ENEWMAN@hostos.cuny.edu
(718) 518-6605
Room: P-104B
More Info

Sarah Hoiland
Sarah Hoiland
SL-CE Committee Chair and Coordinator
Assistant Professor, Behavioral and Social Sciences
Shoiland@hostos.cuny.edu
718.518.6874
Room: B-346
More Info

Elyse Zucker
Elyse Zucker
Associate Professor, English Department
EZUCKER@hostos.cuny.edu
(718) 518-6801
Room: B-348
More Info

Babette Audant
Babette Audant
Asst Dean INST’L Effectiveness , Strategic Planning & Assesment
PRESIDENT’S OFFICE
BAUDANT@hostos.cuny.edu
(718) 518-4241
Room: A-422
More Info

Jiang Biao
Jiang Biao
Assistant Professor, Natural Sciences
BJIANG@hostos.cuny.edu
(718) 664-2702
Room: A-539
More Info
Guidelines and Approval Process for SL and CE Course Designation
Service Learning Competencies
- AAC&U VALUE Rubric for Integrative and Applied Learning
- Connections to experience
- Connections to discipline
- Transfer
- Integrated communication
- Reflection and self-assessment
Civic Engagement Competencies (Select 1-2)
- AAC&U VALUE Rubric for Civic Engagement
- Diversity of community and cultures
- Analysis of knowledge
- Civic identity and commitment
- Civic communication
- Civic action and reflection
- Civic contexts and structures
- University of Washington: Developing cultural humility
- Developing self-awareness
- Building reciprocal partnerships
- Understanding agency
Other Related Competencies
Hostos General Education Core Competencies
- Category A: Skills
- Category B: Subject Area Knowledge
- Category C: Synthesis and Application
- Category D: Global Citizenship
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies
- Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.
- Oral/Written Communications: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit memos, letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.
- Teamwork/Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure, and can negotiate and manage conflict.
- Digital Technology: Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.
- Leadership: Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. The individual is able to assess and manage his/her emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work.
- Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.
- Career Management: Identify and articulate one’s skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth. The individual is able to navigate and explore job options, understands and can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and understands how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.
- Global/Intercultural Fluency: Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual demonstrates, openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences.
Service Learning and workforce competencies
Prof. Ramson’s article: Link