Student Guidelines for Service Learning
- Ask for help when in doubt: Your Site Supervisor understands the issues at your Site and you are encouraged to approach him/her with problems or questions as they arise. He/She can assist you in determining the best way to respond to difficult or uncomfortable situations. Feel free to contact your professor or the Service Learning office with questions concerning your placement.
- Be punctual and responsible: Although you are volunteering your time, you are participating in the organization as a reliable, trustworthy and contributing member of the team. Both the administrators and the person whom you serve rely on your punctuality and commitment to completing your service hours/project throughout your partnership.
- Call if you anticipate lateness or absence: Call the Site Supervisor if you are unable to come in or if you anticipate being late. Be mindful of your commitment, people are counting on you.
- Respect the privacy of all clients: If you are privy to confidential information with regard to the persons with whom you are working (i.e. organizational files, diagnostics, personal stories, etc), it is vital that you treat it as privileged information. You should use pseudonyms in your course assignments if you are referring to clients or the people you work with at the Service Site.
- Show respect for the community-based organization you work for: Placement within community programs is an educational opportunity and a privilege. Keep in mind, not only are you serving the community but the community is serving you by investing valuable resources in your learning.
- Be appropriate: You are in a work situation and are expected to treat your supervisor and others with courtesy and kindness. Dress comfortably, neatly and appropriately. Use formal names unless instructed otherwise. Set a positive standard for other students to follow as part of CFCC’s ongoing Service Learning Program.
- Be flexible: The level or intensity of activity at a Service Site is not always predictable. Your flexibility to changing situations can assist the partnership in working smoothly and producing positive outcomes for everyone involved.
Limitations
- DON’T report to your Service Site under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- DON’T give or loan a client, money or other personal belongings.
- DON’T make promises or commitments to a client you cannot keep.
- DON’T tolerate verbal exchange of a sexual nature or engage in behavior that might be perceived as sexual with a client or community organization representative.
- DON’T tolerate verbal exchange or engage in behavior that might be perceived as discriminating against an individual on the basis of their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or ethnicity.
- DON’T engage in any type of business with clients during the term of your service.
- DON’T enter into personal relationships with a client or community partner representative during the term of your service.
* If you feel that your rights have been or may be violated, or that any of the above stated limitations have been violated please contact Karen Brown, Service Learning Coordinator, at 362-7236.