Why do I need to submit the title of my service learning course the semester before I teach it?

Good question!  There are 4 main reasons:

1. So the course can be properly coded in LORA before students register for it.  Students need to know which courses have service learning components when they are registering.  Some students have special needs which may require accommodation with regard to service learning.  Other students will want to avoid registering for multiple service learning courses.  If you submit the titles of your service learning courses in time, LORA listings will be annotated as follows: "Course has a service learning component."
2. So your efforts and your students' efforts can be properly documented and recorded.  Student service learning work is recorded on Loyola transcripts.  In addition, faculty who teach service learning courses receive a letter of recognition for their personnel files.
3. It takes time and effort to develop the right community partnerships for each class.  Often, new relationships must be built with local community organizations.  Moreover, not every service activity is a good match for every course.  Sometimes, several potential agencies must be investigated.
4. Most community agencies need advance notice to collaborate effectively on special service learning projects.  They also need to plan ahead for placements at their agency.  All of this requires a significant investment of time and energy on the part of agency staff. 

Remember, submitting your course title does not obligate you to include service learning!  You can always change your mind later and opt not to include a service learning experience.