An Introduction to Service-Learning
The CSLCE invites community organizations and agencies to partner with the MSU community by actively engaging students. This section contains information about posting or updating position listings; explains the process by which volunteers are placed with an agency; examples of volunteer service programs; provides links to the Position Description and Student Volunteer Evaluation forms; and clarifies the roles of the CSLCE, the agency, and the student in this partnership.
What is the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement?
The mission of the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement at Michigan State University is to provide active, service-focused, community-based, mutually beneficial, integrated, learning opportunities for students, building and enhancing their commitment to academics, personal and professional development, and civic responsibility. The linking of MSU students and faculty to community though service is the primary focus and role of the MSU Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (CSLCE).
The voluntary service-learning opportunities provided for students originate from the community via requests from a wide range of non-profit organizations, mental health and human service agencies, schools, hospitals and health care centers, pre-school/day cares, youth-serving and youth mentoring organizations, senior citizen facilities, environmental groups, incorporated neighborhood associations, government offices, museums and community revitalization and cultural art endeavors. As the Board of Trustees-sanctioned, university-wide center for service-learning and civic/community engagement, the CSLCE not only connects students to community opportunities, but consults and monitors related to best practices and university indemnification requirements as they relate to students engaged in service.
Community agencies and organizations may request MSU service-learning students for long-term (generally one semester-long, 2 to 6 hours per week, per student) service opportunities, and/or for one-time/short term projects. Students may come to the agency/organization through MSU courses, academic majors/programs, student groups dedicated to service or as individual service-learning volunteers.
MSU CSLCE are available and most willing to discuss agency opportunities and to assist in crafting viable service-learning position descriptions. In submitting a completed Service-Learning Position Description, the non-profit entity agrees to the CSLCE Memorandum of Collaboration.
A Message for New Agencies/Organizations
