Service Learning

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

(travia Spring 2021)

Committee Chair

Guidelines and Approval Process for SL and CE Course Designation

Service Learning Guidelines

Liability Waivers

Photo Release Waivers

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 Guidelines

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

CTL Files

CTL Newsletter Fall 2019

Service Learning Files

Prof. Sarah Hoiland & Aisatou Batchilly

Teaching Tidbits:

Student Service Learning Experiences

Watch Now

Prof. Elyse zucker and lisanette Rosario

Prof. Elyse Zucker & Lisanette Rosario

Teaching Tidbits:

The Benefits of Experiential Learning

Watch Now