Getting Started
Service-Learning engages students in weekly service with a designated service placement. Through this sustained partnership, students build relationships with those whom they serve. Service-Learning also allows students the opportunity to engage in formal and informal reflections on their service, which enables students to connect their service with their learning.
Participating in service-learning through the Shriver Center enhances a student’s resume and their contribution also appears on their official academic transcript. Every student who participates in service-learning receives a zero credit practicum notation on their transcript to reflect their semester of engagement in the community. With structured opportunities to reflect upon service, students are able to learn through an exchange of experiences while providing quality service to the community.
Step 1:
Become familiar with some of our service sites and form an idea of what kind of organization you are interested in serving. Please also read Policies of Professional Conduct for Students
Step 2:
Contact the placement representative to determine if the placement is a good fit for you.
Step 3:
If you and the placement representative decide to move forward with the partnership, contact UMBC's Shriver Center at 410-455 2493 to discuss your interests and sign up for service. Service enrollment includes signing up for the 096 Practicum, a zero-credit course that is graded Pass/Fail. The 096 Practicum will appear on your official academic transcript, acknowledging your participation in a university-sanctioned service placement.
Step 4:
Reconnect with your site supervisor and begin service! Your supervisor may be a staff member or volunteer coordinator at the community organization. Additionally, some organizations require you to take additional steps before you are able to serve, such as completing a volunteer application, background check, or health clearance.
Step 5:
Complete the necessary requirements throughout the semester and contact Chelsea Moyer, director, UMBC-Shady Grove at csmoyer@umbc.edu with any questions along the way. For more information regarding service-learning offered through The Shriver Center at UMBC, please visit their page on Service-Learning & Community Engagement.