Community-based learning courses are a great opportunity to explore a subject and make a positive difference for our community.
Steps for Students Enrolled in a Community-Based Learning Course
Step 1
Find a local community organization to work with.
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Some instructors arrange this for you and provided contact information in class.
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Some instructors provide a list of suggested organizations for you to contact.
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If you need to find a service site on your own, resources are available here.
Allow time for this step and start right away. You may need to contact a number of organizations before you find a good fit. Additionally, some community partners require interviews, resumes, recommendations or a criminal background check.
Step 2
Meet with the staff person who will be supervising you at your selected service site.
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Discuss the tasks you will do, what you hope to learn, and expectations regarding training, supervision, and feedback.
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Discuss your schedule. Keep in mind Mason breaks and any time-consuming class projects or exams you may prefer to schedule around.
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If your instructor requires it, complete the Community-Based Learning Agreement and Project Description and obtain your site supervisor’s signature. If you are serving in a student team, only one form is required for the whole group.
Step 3
Submit your supervisor’s name and email to CECiL via the Experiential Learning Agreement form. This will be provided by your instructor and then submitted to them and CECiL.
Step 4
Begin your project.
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Please dress and behave appropriately. You represent Mason.
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Maintain a written timesheet of your service.
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If you are going to miss a scheduled service date or if you drop the course, please notify your supervisor immediately.
Step 5
End of semester evaluations.
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At the end of the semester, complete a confidential online evaluation of your experience.
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Your supervisor will complete an evaluation of you as well, which will be shared with your instructor.