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, and address issues of literacy, aging, digital divide, substance abuse prevention, at risk, youth and peer mediation/ conflict management.

3. Where are the community sites?

The community sites are largely in the town of Montclair. Most are located on bus routes.

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 in the "Schedule of Courses" book?

Service-Learning courses have a "standard note" (SL) attached, 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.

Questions for Students to Think About:

• What are the goals of the community-based organization?


• Who does the community-based organization serve?


• Have any Montclair State students served at this community-based organization before me?


• What is the structure of the community-based organization?


• How does the community-based organization interact with the surrounding community?

• What expectations does the organization have of me?


• What type of service does the community-based organization need (e.g., direct work with clients, behind-the-scenes work)?


• Are there specific skills or qualities the community-based organization is seeking from its students?


• What skills or qualities can students develop as a result of working with the community-based organization?


• What type of orientation and on-going training does the community-based organization provide for students?


• Does the site facilitate reflection of my service experience?


• Who supervises students?


• What kind of feedback or evaluation do students receive?

• Must students agree to a minimum commitment?


• How many hours per week are needed?


• Are the work times flexible or fixed?


• Can public transportation bring students to the community-based organization? Is there parking?


• Is additional assistance needed at certain times of the year?


• 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 Service-Learning 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.