Volunteerism and Service-Learning
Saint Elizabeth University prides itself on the inclusion of service-learning that
is embedded in some of its courses. Service-learning is an opportunity for students
to bring their course work to life by volunteering out in the local community.
Students perform a set number of hours in a pre-approved placement that is aligned
with the theme of their course, and this volunteer work seeks to give students real
life experience in the field they are considering.
Service Learning Trips
Each year a group of students and staff travel to rural or urban areas throughout
the country to participate in an intense week of service and community learning, sponsored
by both the Center and the Office of Campus Ministry. Throughout the week, students
learn about pressing social justice issues while working directly with site management,
food preparation and reflection activities.
Past trips include New Jersey, Maryland, Mexico, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania,
Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
Requirements
Students pay a nominal fee for the trip and are selected upon successful completion
of a thorough application and interview process. Students are prepared for their experience
through mandatory orientation and training sessions before departing on the trip.
Both students and attending staff participate in group meetings and reflection sessions
during the trip, as well as a post-trip reflection meeting.
Types of Spring Break service include work with:
- Children/youth
- Elderly
- Hospice
- Renovate housing
- Shelters
- Work in soup kitchens and food banks
During Spring Break, students learn about some of society's most complex issues, including:
- Educational access
- Gender
- Homelessness
- Impact of diseases such as AIDS/HIV
- Poverty
- Racism
By engaging in true activism, participants beam with pride over the work they have accomplished, and cherish the lessons they have learned and people they have met along the way.