Historically, UMass Amherst has been a campus engaged in community service since its inception over 145 years ago. In more recent history, since 1994, over 130 faculty members have taught courses integrating service-learning as a text for student learning. The UMass Amherst Civic Engagement and Service-Learning office is here to help faculty members design service-learning courses; form meaningful, reciprocal community partnerships; and integrate service into their students’ learning experience.
The office will organize opportunities throughout the year for faculty to share experiences and ideas about service-learning and to hear from students, community organizations, and service-learning practitioners from other universities. In addition, office staff are available to consult with faculty about designing service-learning courses and forming community partnerships.
We encourage you to talk with us about developing student leaders who can help you manage the complex work of running a service-learning course. We can train your students to work with you as Undergraduate Teaching Assistants or as Campus/Community Liaisons working with your community partners to help them manage your students.
Below is a variety of resources for faculty:
Research University Engaged Scholarship Toolkit
The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse
The Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning
National Campus Compact
The Corporation for National and Community Service
International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement.
