What is service-learning?

Service-Learning is a specially designed model of experiential-learning which combines service at a community organization with intentional learning outcomes achieved through critical, reflective thinking. Hence, equal emphasis is placed on both the service and the learning (service-learning). Essential components of service learning include: critical reflection, reciprocity, collaboration, and evaluation.

Service-Learning at the University of Nevada, Reno is a course or competency-based, credit-bearing educational experience in which student do the following:

1. Participate in mutually identified service activities that benefit the community
2. Reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of personal values and civic responsibility (Bringle and Clayton, 2012, adapted from Bringle and Hatcher, 1995)

Civic engagement

Civic engagement at the University of Nevada, Reno involves working to enhance and promote the quality of life in our local and global community. "Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivations to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes." (Ehrlich, 2000).