Service-Learning

Service-learning combines academic study and community service in ways that enhance students' learning. It offers students the exciting opportunity to learn about almost any subject in the arts, business, the humanities, and the social and natural sciences by engaging in service as part of their normal coursework. Through service-learning, students also learn about themselves and the world around them at the same time.

Service-learning courses at Loyola intentionally contribute to those Undergraduate Educational Aims which promote justice, diversity, leadership and social responsibility. These values are central to the Jesuit educational mission of Loyola University and of all Jesuit colleges and universities.

How Does Service-Learning Work?

Engaging in service as part of a course can contribute to learning about course content just as reading texts, watching films, conducting experiments in the lab, or going on field trips do. In a service-learning course, service is one of the kinds of homework students undertake to learn about their subject matter. Learning occurs through an array of reflection activities and assignments that help students connect their service experiences in the course with the central ideas, hypotheses, theories and methods they are studying.

What Are the Benefits of Service-Learning?

First and foremost, it is a powerful way to learn about what students are studying at Loyola. It also challenges students to learn firsthand about community, democracy, diversity, justice, civil society, social responsibility, leadership and critical thinking. In addition, it offers students opportunities for personal growth, faith development, improved social and communication skills, job training, and exposure to an array of diverse perspectives that exist beyond the confines of campus life.

More Information

Students interested in taking a service-learning course can view the Service-Learning Course Lists.

For more information, contact Katherine Figiel, Assistant Director of Service-Learning at ext. 2836 or kefigiel@loyola.edu. 

Faculty interested in integerating service-learning into their courses may contact Robin Crews, Director of Service-Learning at ext. 2112 or rcrews@loyola.edu.