Student FAQs

I'm taking a class which includes service learning.  What does this mean?

What's the difference between a service learning project and a service learning placement?

What are the time requirements for service learning?

How do I choose a service learning placement?

How will I get to my service learning agency?

What does my service work have to do with my class?

Will my service learning count toward my grade?

Help! I'm totally confused! I have no idea what to do about my service learning!

What do I need to do before I start my service learning?

What do I get out of all this?

I'm taking a class which includes service learning.  What does this mean?

This means that part of your coursework will include working with local nonprofit agencies to benefit the greater New Orleans community.  Often this will take place off-campus.  Look up your class to find out if your class is doing a service learning project or a service learning placement. 

What's the difference between a service learning project and a service learning placement?

In service learning projects, all the students in a class work together to complete specific tasks for a local nonprofit agency.  Usually, your professor will choose the agency in advance, so you do not need to choose an agency.  Projects may involve direct service with the agency's clients or indirect service which supports the agency and advances its mission.  Project work may take place off-campus or on-campus.  Generally, there is not a hard-and-fast time requirement with service learning projects, but you may be asked to submit regular progress reports to your professor or to an agency supervisor.  You will get a detailed description of the project in class, which will outline expectations, deadlines, and grading details.  Your work will be evaluated at the end of the semester by your professor and the agency.

In service learning placements, students volunteer regularly throughout the semester at different agencies.  You need to be actively involved in choosing a service learning placement.  Your professor may allow you to choose from all service learning agencies or from a short list of selected agencies.  Look up your class to find out your choices!  Generally, placement work takes place off-campus and involves hands-on work with agency clients and staff.  Your professor will decide on the time requirements for your service learning placement.  At the end of the semester, your agency supervisor will evaluate your work.  The results of this evaluation will be given to your professor and incorporated into your class grade.  

What are the time requirements for service learning?

This is decided by your professor.  Look up your class to find out! With service learning projects, sometimes there is no hard-and-fast time requirement.  Please be aware that service learning is considered part of the overall workload for the class.  Non-class commitments may need to be scheduled around your service learning.

How do I choose a service learning placement?

You will not be assigned to a service learning placement by your professor or by the service learning office.  You  need to be actively involved in choosing a service learning placement.  Check out the Fall 2009 Service Learning Placement Calendar for important deadlines and a step-by-step overview.  The service learning staff will also visit your class to explain the selection process.

How will I get to my service learning agency?

You have several options.  Visit our transportation page and our Loyola Service Learning Map for detailed information.  Each agency listing also contains maps and transportation suggestions. 

What does my service work have to do with my class?

Good question! Here are a few answers:

• Almost every subject includes concepts which can only be learned by doing
• Experience in the local community can teach you valuable skills and allow you to apply your knowledge
• You can figure out whether what you learned in class is true in the real world
• You can learn how a particular field or profession really works in society
• As a Jesuit university, we believe all aspects of your education should help you become men and women for others

Will my service learning count toward my grade?

Yes.  Exact grading procedures are different for each class and are decided by each professor.  Consult the syllabus or ask your professor about this.  If you do a service learning placement, a staff member at your service learning agency will be asked to fill out this evaluation at the end of the semester.  The results of this evaluation will be shared with your professor.

Help! I'm totally confused! I have no idea what to do about my service learning!

At the beginning of the semester, you can come to a one-on-one advisement session.  We can work with you to help you figure out the best solution.  After advisement, the service learning staff will keep posted office hours. 

If you have questions or concerns anytime throughout your service learning experience, stop by the Office of Service Learning in Bobet 113 and talk to the Director, Kelly Brotzman, or the Program Coordinator, Adam Robinson.

What do I need to do before I start my service learning?

All service learning students must complete a waiver. Usually, you will be asked to fill this out in class. You can turn it in to your professor or bring it to the service learning office (Bobet 113).  Some agencies ask student volunteers to attend trainings or sign waivers and release forms.  Check with your agency about this.

If you are doing a service learning placement, you will need to submit a placement confirmation form.  Be sure you have agreed on a schedule with your agency and understand their expectations.  Once you begin your service, you will need to verify your hours using the service learning timesheet.  Be sure you get the necessary signatures and submit your forms on time.

If you are doing a service learning project, you may need to sign a project outline, which describes expectations, deadlines, and grading details.

What do I get out of all this?

Students who successfully complete service learning activities for a Loyola class will receive a notation on their permanent transcript.  Next to the entry for your service learning class, you will see "Service Learning: Name of Agency." Interviewers for jobs, graduate programs and internships frequently take notice of service learning.

Beyond this, you may get the following:

• useful contacts which you can use in the future
• fun
• new friends
• a chance to get off campus
• an understanding of how your class or your major relates to the world
• a better understanding of society and social problems
• a stronger commitment to service, social responsibility and social justice