Getting Started
Community Service and Service Learning
Community service is co-curricular or extra-curricular service to the community, either long or short term; direct or indirect; research-based or advocacy work. Community service can address a wide range of important social issues, and can be done independently or in groups. Community service is a great way to find out about the community and its needs, and to meet new people while also making a positive contribution to society.
Service learning is experiential learning and community service that is part of a course or a structured project or activity. It includes academic preparation, service activities needed by the community, and structured reflection. So, students have an opportunity to apply course objectives and theories to real-life hands-on experiences while also contributing to the solutions of real community needs.
Together these opportunities work to enrich the college experience at Florida State University. Students are encouraged to participate in both community service and service learning simultaneously or separately throughout their collegiate career.
Faculty/Staff who wish to learn more about community service should follow the steps listed below:
- Stop by or call the Center for Leadership and Civic Education for details on special events, programs, and services that you can share with students you come into contact with.
- Many special events and programs encourage the participation of faculty, staff, and administrators, including the Youth Programs, Garnet and Gold Goes Green Recycling Program, and Make A Difference Tallahassee. For more information on getting involved, call 850-644-3342 or email service@admin.fsu.edu.
Faculty who wish to learn more about teaching a service learning course, follow the steps listed below:
- Go to the Service Learning Program, and select SL Faculty for helpful resources and information.
- FSU Youth Programs is both a community service and a service learning program. For more information, go visit the Youth Programs website, or contact Joi Nathan at jnathan@admin.fsu.edu.