Seattle University defines academic service-learning as:
"A credit-bearing educational experience in which students participate in an organized activity that meets community needs and reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of the course content and a broader appreciation of the discipline. Through this process of reciprocity, students further enhance their personal development and the leadership skills needed to work for social justice in our diverse world.” - adapted from Bringle and Hatcher, 1996



During the 2006-2007 academic year, 84 Seattle University faculty from 30 disciplines engaged 2,766 students in a service-learning experience through 161 courses or course sections. Students in these courses provided over 40,000 hours of service to the community. The Center for Service and Community Engagement coordinated service placements for 59 of these courses.

Use the links on the right to explore approaches to service-learning, course design, effects of service-learning on students, concerns about risk and liability, principles of good practice, resources, and workshops.