Service-Learning

• Always use common sense and always conduct yourself in a professional manner.
• Ask about policies, procedures, and etiquette specific to your service site.
• Treat your supervisors, co-workers, and clients with courtesy and kindness.
• When in doubt, always ask for help. If you aren’t’ sure about what to do or your responsibilities, ask for assistance.
• Respect the privacy of all clients (recipients of service).
• Never give money to or accept money from staff or clients.
• Do not leave your personal belongings in an unsafe location. When possible, leave all valuables at home.
• Never report to the sire under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never tolerate verbal exchange of a sexual nature or engage in behavior that might be perceived as sexual with a client or organizational representative.
• Confidentiality is critical. When discussing service experiences in your journal or in class do not use names, use initials only. Do not share confidential information with people not directly involved in the course or at the site. 
• If you have arranged for service-learning time and your plans change (you are going to be late or can’t go at all) please call the agency to notify them of the change.

Notify your professor or agency supervisor if you have any questions, problems, or concerns.

Use these helpful steps to ensure your safety when completing your service:

• Know your services site supervisor and who to contact should a problem arise.
• Avoid the responsibility of opening or closing the agency for the day.
• Bring identification and maybe a little money (for snack purchases, etc.) but leave credit card, lots of money and personal items at home.
• Notify the agency immediately if you are injured while participating in service activities.
• Avoid any language or communications that may be perceived as inappropriate or harassing.
• Do not offer your home as a shelter for clients.
• Do not transport clients.
• Leave the phone number of your service site and your schedule with a friend.
• Avoid the responsibility of being in charge of money.
• Only give personal contact information (phone number, address, email address, etc.) to your supervisor; avoid sharing this information with clients, other volunteers, or staff members.
• Dress appropriately (no bare midriffs, short shorts, sandals, t-shirts with inappropriate logos or language) and leave expensive or excessive jewelry at home.
• Avoid one-on-one situations that isolate you from areas of supervised activity.
• Restrict service activities to the service site.
• Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood and environment of your service site.
• Walk with confidence.
• Avoid planning off-site activities.
• If you are driving yourself, make sure you have directions, and your car has been serviced.

What is the appropriate dress while completing my service hours?

All students are expected to dress in neat and professional attire. Personal cleanliness and a neat appearance are a part of the professional image.  Please take into consideration that as you enter various sites in the community, you are representing Onondaga Community College.
 

What if I don’t have my own transportation?

OCC cannot provide transportation at this time.  However, there are several agency sites that are easily accessible via the South Ave. Centro bus that runs to and from the OCC campus.  Please make an appointment to meet with the Civic Engagement Center if you need assistance in identifying an agency that is accessible via Centro.
 

Can I do my service-learning requirement at a site that is not included in the Agency Placement list?

Possibly. Some stipulations: the agency cannot be a for-profit agency, it must be unpaid service, not observation, and your service activities need to be applicable to the course learning outcomes. You will need permission from the Civic Engagement Center and your professor to get another site that you have in mind approved.
 

Can I complete my service-learning requirement with a friend who is not in my service-learning class?

Yes. Depending on the size of the agency and its capacity to accommodate volunteer requests there is a possibility this can be arranged. Please speak with your instructor to get that option approved.
 

How many hours of service-learning are required of me for the semester?

The number of hours of service is determined by the instructor of your course. Please direct any questions regarding the service hour requirement to the instructor of your course. In order to receive an SL designation on your transcript for your assignment you need to complete a minimum of 10-15 hours of service throughout the semester.
 

What if I am enrolled in more than one service-learning course?

You are welcome to complete service-learning and receive the SL designation for more than one service-learning course in the semester, however, the hours need to be separate for each course. You can complete all the hours at one site if you choose, which would mean you would need to complete 20-30 hours total for that semester. Please notify your instructor and the Civic Engagement Center office if you are currently enrolled in more than one service-learning course.
 

What if my instructor does not offer a service-learning assignment? Can I add one to my course?

Yes. You can add a service-learning experience to any course by completing a Service-Learning Contract with the instructor. Ask the instructor at the beginning of the semester if they would allow it and contact the Civic Engagement Center to get started.