Milo Bail Student Center

A Report from

Service Learning AcademyMay 10, 2004

UNO

Strategic Planning

Presented by:

•Marilyn Leach, Director, Center for Faculty Development and Service-Learning Academy, University of Nebraska at Omaha

•David Corbin, Professor of Health Education/Public Health School of HPER; Courtesy Professor, Gerontology, University of Nebraska at Omaha and University of Nebraska Medical Center

•Celeste Mitchell, Gerontology Graduate Student, University of Nebraska at Omaha

•Teresa Hunter, Executive Director, Family Housing Advisory Services

Service-Learning Academy:

A Brief History

History of Service-Learning Academy

(SLA)

Funding was established in March of 1999 with a $27,000 grant from Nebraska Consortium for Service-Learning.

SLA Objectives

Encourage and assist faculty members interested in developing service-learning classes;Provide a central point of contact between the campus and community-based organizations;Cultivate continuing working relationships among: faculty, students, and community organizations.

Critical Components of Service-Learning

Service relating to the course curriculum

Needs of the

community agency

Students reflect on service as it

relates to curriculum and his

or her experiences.

Phase I of SLA Work Concentrated

On:

Supporting Single Stand Alone Classes.

Transition from Phase I to…Service-Learning Interdisciplinary

Project

Site visit to Portland State.

Secured funding from private donor.

Joined with Family Housing Advisory Services.

Phase II Collaborative Design Team

Gerontology

Political Science

Safe Affordable Housing

Over 1400 Omahans

are homeless

every night

Communication

Health Education

Social Work

Teacher EducationCounseling

Sociology

English

OUTCOMES

Scholarship of Engagement

Submitted 6 proposals to national conferences.6 proposals accepted.

Submitted 1 proposal to international conference.1 proposal accepted.

79 Unique Faculty have taught

at least one Service-Learning

classes since the Academy’s

inception

Unique Service-Learning classes

100

Total number of Service-Learning classes taught is

204

Number of Unique Community

Agencies served(Since 1999)

144

# of Service-Learning Classes Taught – Student

Participation1998-2003

Academic Year

1998-1999

1999-2000

2000-2001

2001-2002

2002-2003

Classes 7 15 29 27 69

Students

133 234 502 698 1209

Latino PoliticsService-Learning Class – Spring

2004

Coordinated a bilingual community forum on immigration in South Omaha.

Conducted a comprehensive survey and needs assessment of Latino community financial services.

Students have been invited to apply for agency positions & subsequently

hired.

Alternative Spring Break Provided:

24 weeks of labor to Community over period of one week.

Equivalent to one .50 FTE over a year.

Value Added to Omaha Community

Fall 1998-Spring 2003

Students $936,000

Service-Learning Staff $135,142

Total contributions students and SLA staff

$1,071,142

The Service-Learning Academy has assisted the institution to meet its three strategic goals:

1. UNO places students at the center of the educational enterprise.

2. UNO strives to achieve academic excellence consistent with its vision.

3. UNO will actively engage with the community.

You are invited to view

our DISPLAY TABLE of

Service-Learning projects

Health Aspects of AgingStudent Contributions:

42 hours in exercise classes

40 reports on visits to sites/facilities that serve older adults

46 regular interviews

35 service-learning interviews

30 extended service learning interviews

279 personal items donated to Open Door Mission

906 cans of food donated to Omaha Food Bank

Service-Learning Benefits to Students

Community Agency AwarenessCivic-MindednessTeamworkProblem Solving Skills

A Service Learning A Service Learning PartnershipPartnership

Between

Since 1968

Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc.

and

University of Nebraska at Omaha

F.H.A.S. Mission:

Helping people secure and maintain decent, safe and affordable housing.

Strengthening our community through education, counseling, dispute resolution and advocacy.

Why Focus on Housing

Because housing is basic to survival,

Has many social implications and ..

Because so many issues lead to homelessness

Service Learning Benefits

UNO is:

Gaining respect among community groups

Being recognized as a resource for research

A potential pool of future employees

Being publicized in agency newsletters, forums

and neighborhood meetings

Service Learning Benefits

Community Agencies are:

Improving services offered to their clients due to feedback and results of Service-Learning Academy student work

Increasing their ability to look at systemic issues rather than just work the ‘front-lines’

Service Learning Benefits

Students are:

Breaking down prejudices and dispelling stereotypes

Establishing connections with other students and community personnel

Meeting government officials and workers

Learning about community issues

Learning in a holistic manner