Academic Service-Learning

Academic Service-Learning connects the concepts in the classroom to service experiences in the community. Service-learning helps prepare you for a lifetime of civic engagement and leadership. In addition, service-learning is an important learning tool that allows you to apply the concepts, theories and other material covered in class. The community becomes a text for the class and is as critical to “read” as other textbooks.

Here are some helpful resources to help you get started:

• Signing up for my service-learning position  
• Signing up on eServe
• Logging my hours and completing an evaluation
• Receive credit for service-learning
• Organizations approved for my course
• Alternative organization checklist
• Contacting an organization
• Example email to community partner
• Deadline to sign up for service-learning
• Service-learning risk and release form (under 18 years)

How do I sign up for my service-learning position?

Choose an organization that is approved for your course. Register on eServe AND contact organization to schedule an orientation. (back to top)

How do I sign up on eServe?

• Go to http://webapps.seattleu.edu/eServe
• Login with your SU username and password
• Click on Opportunities tab
• Click on Add an Opportunity
• Click Search
• Choose opportunity and click Sign Up
• Read SERVICE LEARNING AGREEMENT, RISK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, AND RELEASE
• Type initials in box and click I Agree
• Note: If you are working with an organization that serves children you will be asked to go through a background check. Read the agreement then click all boxes and agree. You will recieve an email requiring some follow up information. Your background check will not be run, which means you cannot start serving hours, until all information is completed.
• Note: If you are under 18, you will need to print the risk release for you parent or guardian to sign and return to us.  You will NOT be registered until we receive this form!  Please scan and email the form located at the bottom of this page to csce@seattleu.edu, or fax to 206.328.5967.  (back to top)

How do I log my hours and complete my evaluation?

1. Login to eServe
2. Click on View Details to view your portfolio
3. Enter hours completed and click Submit.
4. When you are close to completing your hours, click on Evaluation tab to complete a brief evaluation of your service experience. (back to top)

How do I get credit for my service-learning?

You must sign up on eServe to get credit for service-learning. Your site supervisor at the organization will approve the hours you completed at the end of the quarter and evaluate you. Your professor will view this information before grading. (back to top)

Which organizations are approved for my course?

On the first or second day of class, you will receive information about the community partner organizations that are matched with your course. You can also find this information in the Course List section on our website. Choose a position that is interesting to you and fits with your class schedule. Contact csce@seattleu.edu if you would like help choosing a placement. (back to top)

What if I want to serve with an organization that is not approved for my course?

Please review the Service-Learning Alternate Organization Checklist for the necessary steps involved in working with an alternative organization.  

What is the best way to contact an organization to sign up for a service-learning position?

Email is usually the best way, but if a phone call is easier for you, be prepared to leave a clear and detailed message. Include your full name and be sure to state your phone number clearly and distinctly- twice!  Click here for a sample email to community partners. You should hear back from the organization within 2 business days (for example, if you call or email on Friday, you should hear back by the end of the day on Tuesday). (back to top)

Example email to community organization:

Dear [Site Supervisor name],

I am service-learning student at Seattle University and am taking [course name] with Professor [Faculty last name]. I am interested in completing my service-learning assignment at [Organization name]. I am free at the following days and times:

Mondays: [enter times available] 
Tuesdays: [enter times available] 
Wednesdays: [enter times available]
Thursdays: [enter times available] 
Fridays: [enter times available] 
Saturdays: [enter times available]

I have already registered on eServe and hope to hear back from you soon!

Thank you,
[Your first and last name]

When is the deadline to sign up for service-learning? 

Registration for service-learning ends on the second Friday of  the quarter. If you miss the deadline, contact csce@seattleu.edu. Note that CSCE does not assist students with placements after the 4th week of the quarter. (back to top)

Service-learning risk and release form (under 18 years)

If you are are under 18, you will need to print the risk release for your parent or guardian to sign and return to us. Please scan and email the form to csce@seattleu.edu, or fax to 206.328.5967.

Note: Students who are registered with Disabilities Services may contact Rich Okamoto (okamotr@seattleu.edu) and Elizabeth O’Brien (obriena@seattleu.edu) for assistance with service-learning placements.