1	Service-Learning Orientation Volunteer and Service-Learning Center Career Development Center, GC 306 Buffalo State College www.buffalostate.edu/offices/cdc/vslc
2	What is Service-Learning? A form of experiential learning that links learning in the classroom with activities that students participate in to address the needs of the surrounding community.
3	We Work Together At BSC, service-learning is associated with college courses. Students in the course fulfill a certain number of community service-learning hours by completing projects in the community. The Volunteer and Service-Learning Center helps with scheduling, coordination, and implementation assistance to students in the field.
4	We Know You are Busy! Service-learning replaces something that used to be in the course. Paper Presentation This is NOT in addition to everything else you are required to do. Your participation and reflection on this experience will become part of your grade for the course.
5	Service-Learning Benefits to Communities Student volunteers help community organizations reach more people and improve the quality of their services. Service-learning initiatives provide the community with energetic, enthusiastic college students to meet educational, human services, safety, and environmental needs. Service-learning helps students connect with their communities, and begin long-term involvement in community service.
6	Service-Learning Benefits to Students Provides experiential opportunities to reinforce classroom learning. 89% of students felt that they could learn something new from people of a different ethnic group. 83% of students recommend service-learning for other students without reservation. 85% of students felt that their service made a difference in the community.
7	Student Post-Surveys 80% of students responded that they learn course content best, when connections are made to real life situations. 60% responded that community participation enhanced their leadership skills. 70% of students experienced an increase in their awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses.
8	Notice Anything? Student Reported Benefits Develop real world experience and skills -critical thinking skills -communication -teamwork -civic responsibility -problem solving -public speaking -computer skills -research skills -analytical skills 10 Top Skills Employers Want Communication skills Honesty/Integrity Interpersonal skills Motivation/Initiative Strong work ethic Teamwork skills Analytical skills Flexibility/Adaptability Computer skills Leadership skills National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2004
9	"So" So, you’re enrolled in a Service-Learning Course. How does it work?
10	Where will I be doing service and what will I be doing? This would be your individual project
11	How Do I Get There? Public Transportation Undergraduates have a FREE NFTA pass free Bus Tokens from the VSLC Bus Route Schedules and Maps are available online at www.NFTA.com Carpooling Personal Transportation Directions and Maps will be provided
12	What Is Expected of You? Be open to new ideas and ways of doing things Be reliable Be respectful Be responsible Be willing to learn new skills Communicate effectively-speak to the appropriate person
13	A Profile of Buffalo What do YOU know about Buffalo? West Side 73% White, 20% Hispanic, 10% African American 26% under the age of 18 Average household income is $20,912 (Buffalo wide is $24,803) 35% live below the poverty level Buffalo’s highest percentage of recent immigrants and refugees from Eastern Europe, Central and Southeast Asia, the Middle East ,and Africa
14	When You Go Into The Community Observe, learn, and respect Be open minded Be non-judgmental Ignore stereotypes of community Break stereotypes of college students Have fun! You will reduce barriers, and increase understanding.
15	Barriers to connection Race Religion Language Gender Stereotypes Disabilities Age Geography Class/Economic status History Media
16	Service Schedule Combination of factors: Schedule and needs of partner organization(s) Days and times you are available Need for Consistency
17	Service Log
18	First contact with your community partner: Introduce yourself, identifying your class and professor. Be respectful of time constraints they may have. Be as flexible and accommodating as your schedule allows. Be professional.
19	Volunteer and Service-Learning Center Support In the Career Development Center Cleveland Hall Room 306, 878.5811 www.buffalostate.edu/offices/cdc/vslc Graduate Student Community Coordinators Josephine Zagarella Michael Strangio Meghan Harmon VISTA Youth Outreach Coordinator Susannah White VSLC Coordinator Laura Hill Rao Administrative Assistant Dave LaFalce
20	Want To Do More? Additional service-learning courses on campus Community Work-Study Volunteer in the community Check ORCA Call the VSLC Become active in your own community Block clubs Be engaged in local politics Faith-based organizations