CENTER FOR SERVICE AND LEARNING

As one of the nation's leading metropolitan universities, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) takes seriously its mission, "to develop and apply knowledge to ever-changing social issues through teaching, research, and service . . . and to serve as a model for collaboration and interdisciplinary work through partnerships with the community." IUPUI can distinguish itself as a source of knowledge in creating interdisciplinary approaches to generating and communicating knowledge that meaningfully contributes to the well being of society.

There is growing recognition that institutions of higher education can be models of good citizenship in their communities. The role of citizen engenders both rights and responsibilities. Institutional work, including scholarly work, in communities is consistent with the goal to be a model metropolitan university, to provide leadership to others in all facets of integrating service with teaching and research, and to engage educators, staff, and students in activities that benefit their communities as well as themselves.

In January 2001, the Center for Public Service and Leadership became the Center for Service and Learning (CSL) and now includes the following three offices: Office of Service Learning, Office of Community Service, and Office of Neighborhood Resources. Through its work, CSL can provide leadership for civic engagement of faculty, staff, and students.

(a) Office of Service Learning
The Office of Service Learning (OSL) assists faculty in developing, implementing, and improving a service learning class, which engages students in community service experiences as part of an academic course, enhances their learning through reflection activities, develops greater appreciation of the discipline, and promotes civic responsibility. The OSL supports faculty by providing assistance and resources during course development (e.g. stipends, sample syllabi, reflection activities), and scholarship for student teaching assistants.

(b) Office of Community Service
The Office of Community Service (OCS) coordinates and promotes participation in campus voluntary community service activities: United Way Day of Caring, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Adopt a Holiday Family, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, and Into the Parks. A Volunteer Opportunities Notebook and Listserv are maintained which advertise opportunities of community service for faculty, students and staff.. Staff also provide workshops and consultation for faculty on documenting and evaluating professional service activities.

(c) Office of Neighborhood Resources
The Office of Neighborhood Resources (ONR) promotes the sharing of knowledge and resources with the community by strengthening and increasing interaction between IUPUI and its surrounding neighborhoods. ONR has a long-term commitment to the west side neighborhoods of Haughville, Stringtown, and Hawthorne, creating opportunities for wider campus involvement.

For additional information about the Center for Service and Learning (CSL), please visit the new website at csl.iupui.edu or stop by University College, Room 3118.