Service-learning for non-traditional students is an issue that Metropolitan
State University (Twin Cities, Minnesota) has been grappling with for quite
a while. Most of our efforts have historically focused on creating
community service oriented internships with reflective components, and we
are currently implementing a grant from the Kellogg Foundation to tie our
service-learning efforts to partnerships with specific community
organizations in order to maximize the impact of our efforts and build
solid relationships between the university and community groups.
The internship approach seems to work best with nontraditional students
because they can better plan for their time -- they know before signing up
for the internship when and what their time commitment in the community
will be -- whereas when signing up for a course this is less clear.
I'm not surprised about the student's objections re: the senior seminar --
we've had dialogue here about a citizenship "requirement" but it didn't fly
because several other "requirement" proposals came through at the same time
and the faculty decided it would be too onerous for students.
We've assembled a packet on "Community-Based Learning at Metro State" which
may be of interest to folks working with non-traditional student
populations. Let me know if you'd like a copy and I'll send it to you
"snail mail."
-Scott Chazdon
>My department is also including service learning into a curriculum for
>non-traditional students. At the present we include 30 hours in a
>required senior seminar on commitment and social responsibility. Last
>year was the first semester. At the end of the semester there was a
>petition signed by many students in opposition to the requirement.
>
>the two main objections are: 1. the students have obligations with
>family, jobs, etc and cannot afford 30 hours for "extra" work. 2. This
>is a required class and the service learning results in mandatory
>"volunteer work" which is against their rights and should be listed in
>the school bulletin so that students know about it before they apply to
>the school.
>
>Meetings were held with the Dean, students and faculty to discuss this.
>My section of the class is going to evaluate the options this semester.
>Meanwhile the opposition still exists and more meetings are being held
>with the Dean.
>
>I would like to hear aobut others experiences also.
>
>Bonnie Winfield
>School of Education and Human Development
>Binghamton University
>Binghamton, NY 13902-6000
>607-777-6729
Scott Chazdon Tel:612-772-7856
Assistant Professor/Community Partnership Coordinator Fax:612-772-7738
Metropolitan State University
700 E. Seventh St.
St. Paul, MN 55106