Student FAQs
I'm taking a class which includes service learning. What does this mean?
Do I have to do service learning for this class?
What does service learning have to do with my class?
Will service learning count toward my grade in this class?
What's the difference between a placement and a project?
What does it mean to confirm a placement?
Can I change my service learning placement?
Where is the service learning office?
Where should I turn in my service learning paperwork?
What are preservice requirements?
I’m confused about my service learning. Can you help me?
How do I get to my service learning agency?
Can I count my transportation time toward my service learning hours?
How should I document my service learning hours?
What is the best way to get my service learning hours completed?
When do I have to finish my service learning hours?
Do you have student leadership opportunities?
In the future, how do I know which classes will have 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 work for this course may include volunteering with a local nonprofit agency to benefit the greater New Orleans community.
Do I have to do service learning for this class?
Service learning can be optional or required. Ask your professor or look up your class to find out.
What does service learning have to do with my class?
Good question! Here are a few answers:
- Sometimes you can learn better by doing.
- Real-world experience can teach you valuable skills and allow you to apply your knowledge.
- Service learning can help you find out if the theories you learn in class are really true.
- Loyola is a Jesuit university. This means that your education should help you become more aware of social justice and the common good.
Will service learning count toward my grade in this class?
Yes. Your professor will decide how much. If you do a service learning placement, your agency supervisor will evaluate you at the end of the semester. Evaluations are shared with your professor and incorporated into your grade. If you do a service learning project, your performance will be evaluated by your professor and also by professionals in the community.
What does it mean to confirm a placement?
This means you must choose a service learning agency, and you must also be chosen by that agency. You will not be assigned to a service learning agency. You may be competing for limited spots at popular agencies. Once you have agreed to serve at an agency and the agency has selected you, you should submit your placement confirmation form online. A supervisor at the agency will submit a separate confirmation form indicating that they have selected you.
Can I change my service learning placement?
Your placement confirmation form is a mutual commitment between you and the agency. Confirmed placements cannot be changed.
Where is the service learning office?
Bobet 113.
Where should I turn in my service learning paperwork?
All service learning paperwork should be turned in to Bobet 113. Use the dropbox in the hallway if the office is closed.
What are preservice requirements?
Preservice requirements are things you need to do before you can start serving at your agency. For example, you might need to present a driver’s license for a criminal background check or show evidence of a negative TB test. You may be required to attend a training or orientation. You may be asked to sign paperwork like waivers and clearances. Be sure you know about all the preservice requirements at your agency. It your responsibility to work with your supervisor to make sure preservice requirements are completed in a timely and efficient manner. Some agencies have no preservice requirements. Learn more about preservice requirements in our agency descriptions.
I’m confused about my service learning. Can you help me?
Yes! Come to advisement at the beginning of the semester.
How do I get to my service learning agency?
You have several options, including walking, biking, taking a university shuttle, using public transit, or driving a car. Learn more about your transportation options!
Can I count my transportation time toward my service learning hours?
You can count up to 10 percent of your total service learning hours toward transportation. For example, if you are required to serve 20 hours, you may count 2 hours toward transportation. If you document 18 hours of active service at your agency, you have completed your requirement.
How should I document my service learning hours?
You should use a service learning timesheet to document your hours. You must submit your timesheet twice each semester. Your timesheets will be used to report your total hours to your professor at the end of the semester.
What is the best way to get my service learning hours completed?
- Choose an agency whose hours fit your schedule.
- Agree on a regular schedule with your agency supervisor, and stick to it throughout the semester. If you need to deviate from your regular schedule, communicate with the agency.
- Start your service learning by the fourth week of the semester. Do not wait to get started.
When do I have to finish my service learning hours?
You should finish your service learning hours by the last day of classes.
Do you have student leadership opportunities?
S-LAB (Service Learning Advisory Board) is a leadership council for experienced service learners. If you’re interested in helping other students and working more closely with community agencies, click here.
In the future, how do I know which classes will have service learning?
When you register for classes in LORA, look at the blue notes underneath the name of the class. Service learning courses may have the following notations: "Service Learning Optional," "Service Learning Required," or "Course has a Service Learning Component."
What do I get out of all this?
Besides your transcript notation, you may get the following:
- a stronger commitment to service, social responsibility and social justice
- an understanding of how your class or your major relates to the real world
- a better understanding of social problems
- useful contacts
- new friends