Hours of Service

Good Day!

I would appreciate hearing from other institutions how they handle the topic of
hours spent in academic service learning projects.  Specifically, I am
interested in knowing:

*       if there is an institutional standard number of hours that each student
is required to meet.  Is there among faculty?
*       If so, how was the rationale for this standard developed?  Who was
involved?
*       Are there consequences (lowering of grade, less points given) if
students do not meet a minimum requirement of hours?
*       Other important information regarding hours spent in the community
including written resources.


I want to clarify that here at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's
University, it is not the hours spent in the community which qualifies students
for a particular grade, rather the demonstrated learning that takes place.
Unfortunately, I find it difficult to accept that a student who has spent five
hours with a community partner is receiving as valuable a learning experience as
a person who has spent 20 or more with a community partner.  Similarly, it is
not feasible for community partners to take on a student who ends up committing
such a small amount of time knowing that there are others who are willing to
commit on a regular, consistent basis.  I am intending on bringing up this topic
with faculty this coming Monday evening and would appreciate information from
other institutions.

Thank you,

Cindy Pederson
Service Learning Coordinator
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
Minnesota