The Science and Practice of Psychology
Service Learning Assignment
Fall 2008
Service learning is a learning experience that combines experiential learning with community
service. Although this term may be new to you, if you have ever served as a non-paid volunteer in the
public sector (i.e., not a for-profit business), then the concept is not new at all. Service learning is a unique
learning tool because it benefits the students and the community at the same time. First, it provides
students with a valuable “hands-on” learning experience in a real-world setting. Common service learning
sites include government agencies, non-profit organizations, human services and health service
organizations that depend on volunteers to meet the needs of their clients and the community. This may be
especially valuable to Psychology majors, many of whom will find future jobs and careers in these very
same settings, thereby providing them with a valuable “realistic preview” of their future work environment
and duties.
Second, students are able to make a valuable contribution to their community by offering their time
and talents to needy individuals, worthwhile causes, social change initiatives, campus events, or other
meaningful activities. This kind of citizenship and service activity is considered by many to be as
important a part of a college education as traditional classroom learning experiences. Ideally, students
learn the importance of becoming active, involved members of society, and also experience the personal
growth and satisfaction associated with contributing to the greater good.
This assignment consists of three parts. The first part requires that you find a suitable site for your
service learning experience and then spend a minimum of 10 hours actually working at the site. The UNC
Charlotte Volunteer Services Office, King 217, has many such sites in its database; other opportunities are
attached. Before beginning your service hours, you must have your site approved by me. This should
be done in writing, and should include the name of your site (s), as well as a contact person at the
site/organization that can verify your involvement. This part of the assignment is due by 10/2.
The second part of this assignment requires your participation in our classes’ two group service
projects. This consists of attendance at ONE of the 6 scheduled (see syllabus for dates) group service
learning trips to the soup kitchen at Urban Ministries or to the Circle School. Sign-ups are today!
The third part of the assignment is written. It consists of the attached complete Time Log and a
brief paper (2-4 typed pages) documenting your experiences from your individual and group service
activities, as described above. The paper should specify the exact type of service activities you completed,
and where. Explain how you got involved at this site, and why. Who did you work with (e.g., other
volunteers, professionals, etc.)? Who did you work for (individuals or groups benefiting from your
service)? What is the purpose of the organization? How did you (in whatever small way) contribute to that
purpose? Describe how the experience benefited you personally (e.g., personal growth, experiential
learning, etc.). How, and in what way, is service learning for students an important part of college, and
how continued service to the community is an important part of responsible life after graduation. Finally,
share your plans for future service learning and community involvement for the remainder of your college
career. This paper is due on 12/4/08.
Possible Service Learning Sites
1. Counseling Sessions or Micropracticum Experience with Dr. Post, as per last class period
2. UNC Charlotte’s Service in Action Series (see handouts)- can work on any or all of their
projects!!!
3. Sustainability at UNC Charlotte, including Green Buildings, Earth Club, and Recycling, Tour on
October 15 at 9:30. Contact David Jones, Facilities Planning, 704-687-2518 or dajones1@uncc.edu.
4. C.H.A.I.N. Reaction, as described in class today. Contact President Lauren Lowery,
lalower1@uncc.edu.
5. STAND, A Student Anti-Genocide Organization, contact Ben Potter, President,
standuncc@gmail.com.
6. Presidential Campaign, Obama Headquarters, Highway 49, directly across from UNC C main
entrance.
7. Domestic Violence Advisory Council, They are planning and conducting a candlelight vigil for
victims of domestic violence, to be held in October. Contact Susan Hardin on campus
sharden@uncc.edu, or the local coordinator, Lauretta Wilson, Mecklenburg County Social services,
704-353-1757 or lauretta.wilson@mechlenburgcountync.gov.
8. University Adult Daycare, non-profit organization serving older and handicapped adults. Located
adjacent to campus, contact 704-510-0030.
9. Second Harvest Foodbank, see Flier in class or contact Shay Merritt at 704-375-9639, x 29 or
smerritt@secondharvest.org. A group of you may want to organize a food drive in the residence
halls, or on campus.
10. Allegro Foundation…a Champion for Children with Disabilities- a non-profit that provides
movement instruction to children with disabilities ranging from mental retardation to muscular
dystrophy to children with cancer. More info available at www.allegrofoundation.net.
11. Crisis Assistance Ministry- provides help for people in Mecklenburg County who are a facing
financial crisis. They are the lead agency for the prevention of eviction, and they provide free
clothing and household items to those in need. For more info go to www.crisisassistance.org.
Could also do a Clothing Drive to support the Center!
12. Urban Ministries- an interfaith organization serving the poor, homeless, and others in need through
a soup kitchen, referral agency, access to restroom and shower facilities for homeless, HIV testing,
art and sports therapy, and counseling. (Faith based) More info available at
www.urbanministrycenter.org.
Could also do a robe and toiletries drive to support the center!
13.
Other site, if approved.