Service Learning… do we need it?

What is service learning?  

It was one of the topics discussed at Monday’s RU Engaged meeting. It was a discussion that made many professional staff want to create an institutionally mandated service requirement for students.  Campus wide support would be needed from the academic and administrative ends of the university.

But what about the student input?

I think it’s important that students learn the importance of volunteerism,  but I feel if students were thrown such a mandate I don’t think would be receptive. As SGA Vice President, its hard enough for me to make sure all 104 clubs I have under me are doing their one required service project for the semester. 

I think the university should really look into other universities that have required service credits and bring it back to the table. 

 Rowan’s office of Service, Learning, and Volunteerism though is a one stop shop for service projects and volunteering opportunities. I think a huge problem though is the lack of students taking advantage of it. We even have organizations through the SGA including Circle K, Help Hotline, EMS, and Habitat for Humanity that work to service our campus in different ways that make a huge impact at the end of the day.

 Perhaps I am wrong about this viewpoint of service learning and volunteerism but I think for students out there that are not involved on-campus they will most likely not take part in such projects. 

I see most service done through Greek Life, I think it’s wonderful that we have fraternities and sororities making a difference through such events including “Can Across the Pit” but really why just include Greek Life?  Why not the entire school? 

Perhaps Greek Life is a great example to show that you have to start small and work your way up!

Only time will tell….