Information for Students
I'm taking a class which includes service learning as an option or a requirement. Where should I do my service?
Check out our list of service learning sites! Your professor may decide on one specific site for your class, or give you a few options. Check with your professor about this. If your professor does not specify where you should do your service learning, you can choose from any of our sites.
What's the best way to choose a service learning site?
Choose something you're genuinely interested in. Speak to a staff member at the agency and discuss the tasks you might be involved in. Consider trying something new which will challenge you and take you outside your comfort zone.
Also, look at your schedule and see if it matches the agency's needs. Try to choose a site you'll really enjoy. (Remember, the Office of Service Learning can provide you with free RTA tokens if you need them!)
How will I get to my service learning site?
You have four transportation choices:
- Walk. Several service learning sites are within walking distance of the Loyola campus.
- Ride your bike. This is a surprisingly efficient way to get around the city, and is often faster than driving or taking public transit. Plus, you're helping save the environment!
- Take public transportation. Here are some handy maps of the bus routes in New Orleans. Many service learning sites are on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, or just a short walk from the streetcar. The Office of Service Learning in Bobet 113 can give you single-ride RTA tokens to defray your travel costs! Just stop by and ask!
- Provide your own transportation if you have access to a car. If you use your own vehicle to travel to your service learning site, you are responsible for gas, parking, insurance, etc.
What does my service work have to do with my class?
Good question! Here are a few possible answers:
- Almost every subject includes concepts which can only be learned by doing
- Experience in local community organizations can teach you valuable skills and allow you to apply your knowledge
- You can see whether what you learned in class is true in the real world
- You can learn how a particular field or profession really works in society
- As a Jesuit university, we believe all aspects of your education should help you become men and women for others
How will my service learning count toward my grade or my class performance?
This is up to your professor, and you should consult the syllabus or ask the professor about this. However, the staff at your service learning site will be asked to fill out this evaluation at the end of the semester. This evaluation will be shared with your professor.
Help! I'm totally confused! I have no idea what to do about my service learning!
Stop by the Office of Service Learning in Bobet 113 and talk to the Director, Kelly Brotzman. Kelly can work with you one-on-one to help you figure out the best solution.
What do I need to do before I start my service learning?
Agree on a schedule with your site. Be sure you know your professor's expectations. Also be sure you know the expectations of the staff members at your site. Be sure to submit your waiver before you start. If your professor uses a service learning agreement, be sure to fill this out and turn it in before you start.
I need to turn in my waiver form. Where can I do this?
Bring your waiver form to the Office of Service Learning in Bobet 113. Drop it off with any of the staff, or leave it in the envelope on the bulletin board in the hallway cunningly labeled "Waivers."
I lost my waiver form. Where can I find another one?
A: Right here!
