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Greetings: I am searching for some guidelines on
permissible and non-permissible service projects. We are a medium
sized, Midwestern, public university, located in a rural area. We
have begun a new graduation requirement that includes students studying in a
9-credit sequence based upon an interdisciplinary topic. As one of the 9
credits, students are required to complete 1 credit of service learning,
research, or creative activity.
We are searching for some way to offer our 5,000 students service that is related to their interdisciplinary theme, but that is not so controversial as to create problems--either First Amendment problems, or public relations problems. I have thus far looked at such guidelines used at religious institutions: however, those institutions may often allow prostelization as permissible required service. At a public institution, we obviously cannot do that. I have also reviewed the Corporation for National and Community Service guidelines--but some of those are too restrictive. For instance, the list I looked at banned any voter registration or political action. It seems to us that such activities have educational merit, and we would rather not wholesale ban them. Anyone who can offer sample guidelines for required service, or thoughts on how to balance the interests mentioned above, would be very welcome. I will post all responses to the listserv. Thanks! Sarah Wittmuss |