The Service-Learning Program is committed to holistic learning by incorporating the classroom and community into the learning experience. It develops intentional and meaningful service experiences based in social justice and academic learning.

Students in the program work towards positive, sustainable change in the community while enhancing his/her own education. The program:

1. Enhances critical thinking skills
2. Integrates theory and praxis
3. Fosters the practice of Benedictine values
4. Encourages active commitment to citizenship
5. Fosters career exploration
6. Develops personal and social skills by challenging existing boundaries
7. Increases awareness and commitment to social justice issues

Faculty in the program work hand in hand with community partners to ensure a strong, unique educational experience. The program:

1. Educates faculty in the service-learning model
2. Provides numerous opportunities for logistical support such as seeking out and creating strong community partnerships
3. Presents information to students within the classroom and monitors student placements
4. Ensures quality implementation of service-learning within the classroom by being available for consultations and class meetings

As our co-educators and partners, community agencies and organizations in the program play important roles in the fulfillment of a holistic education. The Program:

1. Educates partners in the service-learning model
2. Provides support in monitoring student placements
3. Enhances the effectiveness of a program
4. Enhances the quality of life in those that students serve
5. Facilitates program evaluation

Throughout the service-learning process, students will grow and learn in areas of civic engagement, personal enrichment, and academic understanding.

The Service-Learning program is guided by three core areas of learning: personal, civic, and academic.

Personally:

Students should strive to grow holistically. The Service Learning experience presents many opportunities for students to improve upon many of the basic skills needed to succeed in college, and beyond.

Civically:

Students should strive to give back. Students participating in the Service Learning Program do great work. They don't do this work passively; they do this work actively in the community.

Academically:

Students should strive to put their course material into action. Service Learning gives students the unique opportunity to apply what they are learning in the classroom to situations they will ecnounter beyond college.