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U.T. Dallas A to Z Directory


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    Service Learning
Service Learning Opportunities
Resources
Documentation
Alternative Spring Break
Gallery

Contact Us:

Student Union 1.610
Phone:  972-883-6393
FAX:  972-883-6561
servicelearning@utdallas.edu


Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8:30am-5:30pm
Friday: 8:30am - 5pm


Mailing Address:
The University of Texas at Dallas
800 West Campbell Rd., SU22
Richardson, TX 75080-3021



Staff:

Terry Hockenbrough
Service Learning Coordinator

Melissa Kenfield
Service Learning Sr. Leader

Michelle Ali
Service Learning Leader

Cris Almeida
Alternative Spring Break Leader



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"We must be the change we wish to see in the world."
Mahatma Gandhi
UT Dallas Service Learning

...builds leaders through integrity, compassion, and service.  In a combination of volunteer outreach and experiential learning, students develop the heart, soul, mind, and spirit of a leader!

...utilizes cognitive abilities and emotional intelligence in a winning combination of service outreach that helps solve the problems of community needs.
...partners with student organizations, special interest groups, and community organizations to bring about positive change through active participation.


What is Service Learning?

 “Service-learning is education in action.”  - Sen. John Glenn

Service Learning combines experiential learning and community service opportunities. 

Service Learning is a method of teaching, learning, and reflecting that combines personal and educational interests, academic classroom curriculum, and learning objectives with meaningful service.  Students partner with other students, teachers, and community service opportunities to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to specific areas of need.
 
Service Learning is a bridge from the classroom to the real world.

Service Learning has been shown to increase a student’s grades, test scores, attendance and self confidence.


Components of Service Learning

Leadership Development
Building responsible and contributing leaders through integrity, compassion, and service is the core of service learning and community involvement.

Community Volunteer Service
Students contribute to the community in a volunteer capacity through hands-on service in many areas of need.

Academic Connections
Service Learning collaborates with academic programs to bring academic objectives alive through hands-on experiential learning.

Student Voice
Students have the opportunity to select, design, implement, and evaluate their service activity.  This encourages relevancy and keeps interest high.

Reflection
Activities create opportunities to think, talk, and write about service experiences.

Service Learning Activities
  • Annual The Big Event Service Day
  • Alternative Spring Break Trips
  • Champions of the Cause Special Service Groups
  • Community Partnerships and Mentoring Opportunities
  • Group and Individual Service Opportunities
  • Independent Studies and Internships
  • Leadership Training
  • Retreats
  • Service Saturdays

Service Learning in the News

  • Find out how Service Learning students spent their Spring Break by visiting the UT Dallas News Center.
  • In December of 2007, the Service Learning Leadership Council sponsered a campus toy drive that collected over 400 items. For more information on this event visit the UT Dallas News Center.

UT Volunteer Corp

UT System Employee Volunteer Opportunity to help increase College Participation
The UT System’s Institute for Public School Initiatives (IPSI) was recently awarded a grant to fund forums for high school students and parents in low-income communities to increase knowledge about college opportunities. The grant also provides $166,000 in scholarships for students who attend these events and attend a college of their choice.

The UT System IPSI is extending an opportunity to all employees of the nine academic campuses to volunteer and help families with little history or experience with college. By joining the UT Volunteer Corps for College, faculty and staff will receive training to assist students and parents in areas of low-income or low-college going Texas high schools and communities. The hours you volunteer can be recorded with UT Service & Civic Participation Program on the UT System employee homepage: http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/s/ut/

Some examples of events and activities with parents and students include Financial Aid Nights, school presentations, and college fairs. There will also be opportunities to work one-on-one families to assist in researching college options and applying for financial aid. Most outreach events will take place at night and on weekends in districts around the nine UT campuses.

 If you are interested in becoming part of the UT Volunteer Corps for College or if you would like more information, complete a short survey at:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=553O8S9k3GSFGbctMLQSqQ_3d_3d

For information, contact Ruby Rivera, UT System, Statewide Outreach Coordinator, rrivera@utsystem.edu, 512-499-4364.

Join us and make a difference!
Click here to document Service Hours

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Updated June 2007