Post on 22-Feb-2016
description
VOLUNTEER & SERVICE-LEARNING CENTER
Cleveland Hall 306 716-878-5811vslc@buffalostate.eduhttp://vslc.buffalostate.edu
A form of active learning that links
learning in the classroom with activities that
students participate in to
address the needs of the surrounding
community.
WHAT IS SERVICE-LEARNING?
Last year 1,779 students completed over 45,000 hours of service through 104 service-learning courses
• Develop and improve skills
• Meet new people
• Improve your resume
• Explore professional fields
• Make a difference!
BENEFITS OF SERVICE-LEARNING FOR STUDENTS
BUFFALO STATE STUDENT REPORTED BENEFITS OF SERVICE-LEARNING
* Working as part of a team
*Communication skills
* Problem-solving skills
* Research skills
* Analytical skills
* Critical thinking skills
* Computer skills
* Social self-confidence
* Public speaking skills
* Real world experience
TEN TOP SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2013
1. Communication skills (verbal )
2. Ability to work in a team
3. Problem-solving skills
4. Plan, organize and prioritize work
5. Research skills
6. Analytical skills
7. Technical skills
8. Computer skills
9. Communication skills (written)
10. Leadership
NOTICE ANYTHING?
• 78% would encourage other students to try service-learning
• 83% learn course content best when connections are made to real life
• 93% felt they learn from people who are different from them
• 88% felt they could make a difference in the community
STUDENT FEEDBACK
BUFFALO’S ASSETS
• Rated #1 on Forbes’ “America’s Most Affordable Cities”
• Buildings designed by over 100 American architects, including H.H. Richardson, Louis Sullivan, E.B. Green & Frank Lloyd Wright
• Buffalo Park System designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead
• 21 institutions of higher education in the metro-region
• 2,000 refugees and immigrants resettle in Buffalo every year
BUFFALO’S ASSETS • Over 80 community gardens
• Garden Walk Buffalo is the largest garden tour in America
• Buffalo is home to over 50 art galleries and 22 professional theaters
• Shakespeare in Delaware Park is the second largest outdoor Shakespeare festival in the country
• Hosts the third oldest zoo in the US
BUFFALO’S CHALLENGES
• 4th poorest large city in the US
• 26% of families live in poverty
• 3rd most abandoned houses
• Buffalo’s vacancy rate is triple the rest of Erie County (15.7%)
BUFFALO’S CHALLENGES
• 2,000 people are homeless on any given night in Buffalo.
• 57% of Buffalo’s children (under age 5) live in poverty.
• 1/3 of the adult population in Buffalo live below the poverty line.
• Buffalo-Niagara region is the 8th most segregated in US
NEW ARRIVALS ON THE WESTSIDE
• 24% of all refugees that come into NYS settle in Buffalo
• Each year 1,600-2,000 refugees are resettled in Buffalo
• The Westside is the most diverse neighborhood, with over 70 spoken languages
• Countries of origin include: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Ghana, Iraq, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan and Thailand
BUFFALO’S YOUTH
• 42% of youth (ages 5-18) in the city of Buffalo live in poverty
• Poor children are twice as likely to have repeated a grade, to have been expelled or suspended, or to have dropped out of high school
• The high school graduation rate for the city is 54%
• 85% of all child care programs in Buffalo do not meet national standards
• 100% Increase the number of clients served
• 98% Better meet community needs
• 96% Increase mentoring services
• 100% Incorporate new ideas
• 98% Increase services offered
• 98% Make new connections
YOUR SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Community Partner Organizations Say That Service-Learning
Students Help Them To….
EXPECTATIONS• Be prompt and
positive at the organization
• Be open to learning about cultures and lifestyles that are different than your own
• Be respectful• Communicate with your
supervisor if uncomfortable or uncertain
• Call ahead of time if you are unable to make your scheduled time
• Address issues promptly (with supervisor, faculty, VSLC staff)
• Remember, you are representing SUNY Buffalo State
EXPECTATIONSGETTING STARTED
When calling your contact or arriving at the site for the first time:
• Introduce yourself• State the reason you are
calling (or are present)• State the service-learning
course and professor• Know how many hours you are
required to complete• Know the course’s objective for
your service-learning
• Keep an accurate record of your service hours
• Have the community agency or staff verify your hours and sign your service log
• Sign and return to your professor
SERVICE LOG
SAFETY REMINDERS
• Familiarize yourself with the new area ahead of time
• Travel with a buddy• Carry only what you need• Let someone know where you are going and
when you expect to return• Always lock your doors and leave a light on • Park or walk in well-lit areas• Never leave valuables in plain sight • If you become a victim of a crime call 991 (on-
campus call 716-878-6333)
SERVICE-LEARNING DESIGNATED COURSES
To Find Service-Learning Designated Courses:
To Know if a Course includes Service-Learning:
OTHER VSLC OPPORTUNITIES
• Volunteer Fair & September 11 National Day of Service (September 11, 2014)
• Alternative Break (November 2014-June 2015)
• Certificate of Recognition for Community Engagement (due March 13, 2015)
• Spring Community Service Day (April 11, 2015)