Service learning is a collaborative model that is based on partnership between the community organization and the university. The community provides valuable opportunities for students to learn and students provide the community with a valuable service. It is truly a win-win situation.

Most service learning experiences take place within a not-for-profit community organization. The community organization, our community partner, identifies the types of services that students could provide, the schedule of when the services are needed, the number of students needed and any specific skills the students may need. Projects typically occur during either first term (September to November) or second term (January to March). Students complete a specified number of hours of service over the approximately 12 week term

Service learning experiences include those of a direct nature, consultation projects and research on behalf of an organization. For example, students studying child growth and development can help with after-school programs at local schools – this is direct service. Consultative projects include human nutrition students reviewing menus at group homes or business students doing a business plan for a non-profit organization. Research projects have included students doing asset mapping on behalf of a rural community and students conducting attitudinal surveys on behalf of an organization.

Community organizations are welcome and encouraged to suggest service learning projects. It is the intent of the program to be community-driven, responding to the needs of the community as best as possible.

For more information on service learning at StFX or to request students, please contact Marla Gaudet at 867-2563 or mgaudet@stfx.ca.