Community Partner Agreement:
Expectations of Students, Faculty and Staff
Service learning is defined as a teaching and learning strategy that integrates
meaningful community service with instruction and reflection that (a) enriches the
learning experience, (b) teaches civic responsibility, and (c) strengthens local
communities. MCC’s “Community Partner Agreement” seeks positive service
learning experiences that are mutually beneficial for MCC students, faculty and
staff members as well as our Community Partners. Furthermore, Mott believes
appropriate service learning activities can enhance student learning, the
performance of the Community Partner, and overall community quality of life.
Below are Mott’s expectations for students, faculty and staff members who
provide service learning in local communities:
a. Model appropriate professional behavior when working with clients, CP
staff, and community members when serving at the Community Partner.
b. Meet the Community Partner’s service goals.
c. Abide by all policies and practices of the Community Partner, including
maintaining client confidentiality.
d. Be on time and reliable.
e. When at all feasible, call at least 24 hours in advance if unable to perform
service during the scheduled time.
f.
Refrain from drug or alcohol use prior to or during service at the site.
g. Become familiar with the neighborhood and environment of the service site
with assistance from the Community Partner.
h. Report immediately any suspicions of abuse, neglect, or criminal activity to
both the Community Partner Site Supervisor and the relevant MCC faculty
member.
i.
Avoid service with vulnerable client populations until clearing all Criminal
History Background Checks and/or other processes required by MCC
and/or the Community partner.
Additional Suggestions / Perspectives for
Good Service Learning Etiquette:
Be reliable. Show up on time, stay the number of hours you agreed to
stay, and do the job you have agreed to do. The Community Partner will be
depending on the work you do. Remember, you just might want to use your
CP supervisor as a reference in the future!
Plan ahead. There is rhythm to student life and the times during the
semester that you will be overloaded with school and work are pretty
predictable. If you know that you will need time off during midterms and
finals to study, let your supervisor know in advance. Agencies understand
that students have school commitments and are willing to work with
you. Plan ahead so that your agency is not left in the lurch by your
absences due to "last minute" crises.
Call your supervisor, if you cannot honor your commitment. At most
sites the services you provided are essential to the Community Partner and
their clients. In other words, the agency is depending on you to be there as
agreed. If you cannot work, call your supervisor in time so that other
arrangements can be made.
Dress appropriately. If you are uncertain how you should dress for your
service site, ask your professor and/or supervisor. As a rule of thumb,
short shorts, flip-flops, spaghetti straps, t-shirts with suggestive words or
images, and other casual clothing is not appropriate at service sites. Be
aware some sites have fairly strict dress codes, while others may
encourage casual dress.
Client confidentiality. The issue of confidentiality cannot be stressed
often enough. The service-learning experiences you select may involve
clients with interesting histories or personalities. Client information (e.g.,
names, demographics) is never yours to publicly share, unless it is done in
a classroom (e.g., during a discussion or presentation) in a way that does
not directly identify the client. Nothing will make you (and Mott’s servicelearning efforts) lose credibility faster than sharing information that should
remain confidential. When in doubt, ask your professor and/or supervisor!
Photographs. It is always a good idea to ask a supervisor before taking
photographs of any kind. Generally speaking, assume it is okay to take
photographs of buildings as well as agency staff members and volunteers
who provide their verbal consent. You should also assume that it is not
okay to photograph clients, their personal property (e.g., artwork) or their
living spaces (e.g., a bedroom). Once again, check with the supervisor
before taking photographs.
Mott Community College Code of Conduct. As representatives of Mott
Community College who engaged in college-related activities, students
doing service learning in the community also fall under MCC Code of
Conduct policies. Prohibited conduct includes:
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Assault & Battery
Weapons
Drugs
Alcoholic Beverages
Disruptive Behavior
Endangerment
Harassment
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Discrimination
Theft
Counterfeiting, Altering
Documents, and Impersonating
Others
Smoking (including e-cigarettes
and medical marijuana)
Code of Conduct Source:
http://www.mcc.edu/18_policies/student_code_of_conduct.shtm
You represent present (and future) students at Mott. During service
learning activities, please keep in mind you represent Mott Community
College. Your actions—the good and the not-so-good—have an impact on
how our institution is viewed in the community. Remember that negative
experiences with one student during the semester are enough to close
opportunities to future students with a given Community Partner.