Welcome to the Center for Civic Engagement at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

The Center is an exciting new venture started in the Fall 2008 with a mission of integrating University intellectual talents with those of the community. The primary mechanism for integration is through the use of Service Learning. The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth defines service learning as a pedagogical method used in credit bearing courses that is designed with the dual mission of:

a) Student attainment of discipline specific knowledge through creatively designed active learning community based projects and

b) Community benefit through the thoughtful identification and completion of community-based service.

The methodology of Service Learning requires:

a) A clear link between academic objectives and service experience that is mutually beneficial to the goals of the course and community need.

b) Student reflection as a means to gain a greater understanding of course content and a broader sense of civic responsibility.

This site is designed to be a resource to both the University and the Community at large. Faculty will find many links to Professional Development opportunities and tools for help reshape their classes. Community members will find important links to other Community Organizations. The website and the Center for which it serves are a "work in progress" and therefore we welcome your comments as we seek to better serve you.

Introduction

Recently, institutions of higher education across the nation have responded to the call for increased civic engagement among college students by strengthening community service learning (SL) opportunities for all students. Unlike community service or volunteerism, service-learning is a methodology that is integrated into and enhances a traditional academic curriculum, is demonstratively linked to existing program learning goals, specifies structured time for student reflection, and augments the acquisition of skills and knowledge through application that meets the needs of a community and simultaneously fosters civic responsibility.

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth purports to meet the dual challenges of community need and active student learning opportunities through the activities organized by the Center for Civic Engagement. The mission, goals, and objectives of the Center for Civic Engagement are discussed below. They have been developed in conjunction with the most recent UMD Strategic Plan.

Vision

UMass Dartmouth will be recognized as a center of excellence for the integration of learning and scholarship with community engagement. The integration of these activities is a powerful tool for enhancing student learning and for creating a more just society.

Mission

To enhance student learning through the application of concepts, content and skills from their academic disciplines while meeting a need in a community, civic, or non-profit organization through the use of service learning pedogogy.

Goals

To develop the opportunity for every student at UMASS Dartmouth to participate in at least one service-learning course prior to graduation in 2012.

To become closer to our community through cross fertilization of knowledge, skills, challenges, and opportunities.

Objectives

The Center for Civic Engagement seeks to:

• Implement Service Learning strategic planning objectives identified in UMD 2007 strategic plan
• Develop community partnerships that will benefit all stakeholders of service learning: students, faculty, community and university
• Be a resource to the campus and community on Service-Learning best-practices nationwide
• Implement campus and community communications on the philosophy, purposes, and benefits of service learning
• Formulate and implement a leadership/civic engagement minor
• Organize workshops, seminars, and other forums for faculty who are interested in developing service-learning assignments in their courses
• Develop service learning resources through grant-writing
• Identify and recommend incentives for faculty participation in service learning activities
• Perform periodic assessments of the Service Learning Program
• Celebrate and recognize faculty, community partners, and students who teach and learn through service learning