"Course based service learning is a form of experiential education where students work with community members on community problems and where academically rigorous assignments are designed to explicitly link those experiences to specific learning outcomes." (Hartley, 2006)

Students complete service placements in the local community as part of their academic course work. This can be done individually or in small groups. Students relate course concepts to community issues in settings such as seniors' homes, schools, day cares, and women's centers, and through non-profit organizations such as development associations and fisheries groups.

Course Based Service Learning includes activities that are of direct service to the public, providing administrative support, doing consulting projects, assisting with resource production and completing community-based research on behalf of an organization.

Courses with a service learning option vary each year. Students wishing to participate in the program are encouraged to consult with faculty and program staff at the beginning of each school term. Students can also include service learning in a directed study option, as the basis for an honours thesis or majors paper, or through the interdisciplinary course IDS 306 Service Learning Theory and Practice.