ESY kids with carrots

Getting a service learning placement

Service learning placements involve mutual choice.  Agencies and students choose each other.  Students will not be assigned to a placement by their professor or by the service learning office.  This means students must be actively involved in the placement process.

Follow these steps:

  1. Research your options. Browse the agencies listed on the course webpage. Look for agencies that connect to your interests, skills, and passions. Also look for agencies that fit your scheduling and transportation needs. Take into account the transportation support programs available through the Office of Service Learning.  [Exceptions]
  2. Make contact with a few favorite agencies.  Contact information is included on each agency's listing.  It pays to initiate communication early. Remember, you are competing for limited spots at each agency.
  3. Come to the SERVE Fair.  This event is held every semester.  See the Loyola Service Learning Calendar>>  Meet agency staff, ask questions, and tell them why you would be a great volunteer!
  4. Continue to proactively pursue placement offers until you get one you want to accept.  Accept a placement offer by filling out the online form before the placement deadline.  See the Loyola Service Learning Calendar>>
  5. Complete any preservice requirements (such as trainings, background checks, etc).
  6. Agree on a regular schedule with your agency and start serving!

Students should document all service and training hours using a service learning timesheet.   Timesheets must be submitted to the service learning office twice per semester.

 

Exceptions

Interested in an agency not on the list?  Exceptions may be given in some cases, but not in others.

  • If an agency has a current, active service learning partnership with Loyola but isn't on the list of preapproved placements for a particular class, a professor can give permission to a student to serve there.  This can be done if the placement supports course learning goals.
  • Students may not do a service learning placement at any agency that does not have a current, active service learning partnership with Loyola.  This is for legal and liability reasons.  Partner agencies have signed contracts with Loyola which protect everyone involved.