So while glancing at some of your course syllabi the words "Service Learning" pop up several times. Just what might that project entail, you ask? Well, it depends on the class.

If you're in biology, for example, you and your classmates might travel to Rydell National Wildlife Refuge to map wood duck house locations, and build new ones where you think they might be populated. Or maybe you'll help save sand dunes from the overgrowth of vegetation at the Agassiz Environmental Learning Center in Fertile.
If you're in a Web design class, you might be presented with a real-life client from the community who's looking to develop an online presence. Or if you're a marketing major, that real-world client might be looking for marketing strategies to increase the profile of his/her business venture.

If equine is your thing, you might conduct a 4-H horse clinic, or if you're into landscaping, you might draw up plans for the latest home to be constructed by Crookston's Habitat for Humanity Chapter.
Or, maybe you'll find yourself working with teens during gym class at a local school, or practicing your public speaking skills at a local nursing home. Maybe you'll develop a financial strategy for a local farmer, or help senior citizens fill out their tax forms at the Golden Link Senior Center. Maybe you'll assist with kindergartners in a local classroom.
The possibilities are seemingly endless.

Faculty members, are you wondering what's in it for you? Besides being a proven tool in class room retention, Service Learning projects are an excellent way to draw attention to your classes as well as to your area of research. Perhaps one of your goals is to be published. Click here to see how Dr. Traci Kelly used her class project "Tales of the Elders" as a vessel to get published. Below are some links to illustrate the different projects that the Service Learning office participate in:

• Course-Specific Examples
• Service Learning Within Our Curriculum: An up-to date table of current classes that require the completion of a service learning component.
• Meet Crookston Through Service: Since 1996, the Service Learning Office has worked with First Year Experience (FYE) to organize volunteering opportunities during new-student orientation. Take a look at the 2002 Meet Crookston Through Service PowerPoint Presentation. (PDF Format)
• Past Projects: A few stories of past service learning projects, the people involved, and the unforgettable experiences they had.
• Club Checklist: Each club and student organization is required to complete at least two community service projects per semester to be considered for funding.