Experiential Education at MSU: Service Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Service-Learning at MSU?
Service-Learning courses integrate organized community service activities with academic study.

2. What do MSU Service-Learning students do?
All students enrolled in a Service-Learning course participate in a community based project that addresses an identified need. Service projects are developed by the University in collaboration with community partners.

3. Where are the community sites?
The community sites are largely in the town of Montclair and its surrounding towns. Most sites are located on bus routes.
(To see a list of current sites, click here.)

4. What projects are MSU students involved in?
Students are serving in after school programs, nursing homes, senior centers, youth shelters, elementary schools, middle schools, The United Way and a variety of substance abuse programs.

5. How can you identify Service-Learning courses on WESS?
Service-Learning courses can be identified by a standard note: "Serv-lrng, wkly cmty serv in partner agencies req." or "Professional Liability Insurance Coverage" which indicates that a community service project is one of the course requirements.

6. Why should you enroll in a Service-Learning course?
Here's what students tell us:

• Future employers value service to the community.
• The experience helps students make decisions about majors.
• Students develop problem solving skills.
• Service-Learning provides a connection between the classroom and
  the real world.

7. What can supervisors expect from students?

• Students will attend all orientation and/or training sessions
  required by the community-based organization.
• Students will complete all required service responsibilities.
• Students will be on time and dressed appropriately.
• Students will notify the community-based organization supervisor
  and faculty immediately when they are unable to meet service
  responsibilities on a particular day.
• Students will immediately notify supervisor, faculty and/or
• Experiential Education Coordinator of any problem or concern.
• Students will accept and respond to appropriate feedback from
  their supervisors.
• Students will comply with all safety, legal and confidentiality
  policies of the community-based organization.