Fulfillment

Fulfillment Through Service Learning

AmeriCorps*VISTA Opportunity at UNH!!!

Academic service-learning at the University of New Haven provides opportunities for students and faculty to work in partnership with the Greater New Haven Region and beyond for the purpose of exchanging knowledge and resources to strengthen our global society. Service-learning is housed in the Experiential Education Office at the University of New Haven.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The AmeriCorps*VISTA at the University of New Haven will work with Academic Service-Learning Specialist to increase leadership opportunities for students to become engaged citizens, support faculty who incorporate service-learning into courses, and strengthen partnerships between UNH and community-based organizations.

The University of New Haven VISTA will
·      Assist in the development of a community assistant program. Connect faculty who teach service-learning courses with students in the program.
·      Provide leadership development workshops for students.
·      Support the Service-Learning Scholars faculty program.
·      Assist with strengthening campus-community partnerships, including orientation for community partners.
·      Facilitate community asset mapping activity.
·      Update and maintain service-learning website.
·      Create marketing materials (brochures, newsletters, etc).
·      Exchange knowledge, resources and opportunities between students, faculty, and community organizations.
·     Serve as a resource for service-learning opportunities on and off campus.

QUALIFICATIONS
·    College Degree - A.A./A.S., B.A./B.S. or higher
·     Strong interest in higher education and in creating positive change in the community
·     Able to work independently and as part of a team
·     Proven leadership ability
·     Excellent communication skills; written and verbal
·     Strong organizational skills, project management skills and ability to multi-task
·    Creative and energetic
·     Knowledge and experience with service-learning preferred

BENEFITS
·   Post service educational award of $4,725 or stipend of $1,200
·   Health coverage
·   Monthly living allowance of $949
·   Relocation allowance and/or travel to pre-service orientation
·   Student loan forbearance
·   Professional and leadership development opportunities throughout the year

DATES OF SERVICE
August 2008 – August 2009

TO APPLY
Please send your 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) names, titles, addresses, emails, and phone numbers of three (3) references to sanastos@newhaven.edu or:
Sally Anastos
Academic Service-Learning Specialist
Experiential Education Office, Kaplan 210
University of New Haven
300 Boston Post Road
West Haven, CT 06516

FOR ADDITONAL INFORMATION
For additional information about the position, contact Sally Anastos at sanastos@newhaven.edu (preferred) or 203.479.4588. For additional information about AmeriCorps*VISTA, visit http://www.americorps.gov.

What is service learning?

Service learning is a pedagogical approach that combines learning objectives with service objectives to deepen students' understanding in a specified academic discipline. Service learning is a form of experiential education where students participate in scheduled direct service to enhance learning objectives. Unlike traditional classroom settings, students apply their skills and knowledge outside the classroom by participating in community service projects that benefit the community as a whole. The service meets an actual community need and enhances what is being taught in the classroom.

Service Learning Scholars

Congratulations to our 2007 - 2008 Service Learning Scholars!

Dale Finn
Mario Gaboury
Mary Miller
Lynn Monahan
Fadia Narchet
Martin O’Connor
Ismail Orabi
Nancy Ortins Savage
Christy Somerville

Students reflect on their experience to link their community service project with their classroom learning. Whether the reflection activities are carried out through reading, writing, doing or telling, students examine their experience and apply their knowledge in real-life situations. Service learning enriches the learning experience, develops civic responsibility, and strengthens communities.

Service Learning Definitions:

"Service learning combines service to the community with student learning in a way that improves both the student and the community."

National Service-Learning Clearinghouse (Learn and Serve America)

"Service learning is a form of experiential education where learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection as students work wtih others through a process of applying what they are learning to community problems and, at the same time, reflecting upon their experience as they seek to achieve real objectives for the community and deeper understanding and skills for themselves." Eyler, J., & D.E. Giles, J. (1999). Where's the Learning in Service-Learning? San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Why service learning?

Service learning can have positive and powerful effects on students, faculty, and the community. Research demonstrates that service learning increases students' cognitive and personal development by fostering skills in critical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal perspective-taking, and communications. Service learning enhances student academic achievement and connects students to their community.

Faculty who teach service-learning courses have found improved student discussion and participation, new opportunities for research and publication, and opportunities for professional recognition and reward. Additionally, service learning offers an innovative approach for delivering subject matter, and engages students of all learning styles.

Community organizations benefit from service learning by expanding relationships with students and faculty. Students volunteer their time and talent while faculty provides expertise to help organizations achieve goals. Organizations also have the opportunity to educate students and faculty on important community issues.

Fulfillment

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