FAQs

What is the difference between community-based learning (service-learning) and community service?
The key to community-based learning is the link between community service and classroom studies. In other words, student service work is designed around meeting curriculum objectives. Community service, on the other hand, is generally done on an individual basis with no academic connection.

Can community-based learning be incorporated into any course?
Yes, a community-based learning component can be incorporated into any course across all five schools.

What is the difference between the Community Service-Learning Program (CSLP) add-on credit and an internship?
The CSLP credit requires that you have work 40 hours the entire semester with a non-profit organization that is related to the goal or assignment of your class. As long as you are an undergraduate student with less than 17 credits that semester, you are eligible for the CSLP credit. An internship generally requires that you work at least 15 hours a week for about 12 weeks. You must have sophomore status and have completed one full semester at AU. A student can have a 3-6 credit internship depending on how many hours they work per week. A CSLP credit is a set 40 hours per semester for only one additional credit.

Can the Community Service-Learning Program credit be utilized in all five schools?
Currently only three of the five schools accept the CSLP extra credit option: the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Kogod School of Business, and School of International Service (SIS).

What is my role as a professor in community-based learning?
Your role as the professor is to support and advise your students as they connect and serve the community organization through their community-based learning project or activity. Faculty is encouraged to collaborate with the Center for Community Engagement and Service in order to provide additional support.

How can I find more information about community-based learning curricula?
To learn more about how to incorporate service-learning into your classroom, you can visit many websites that offer training, guidelines, tips, and examples. Two major websites with great resources are Campus Compact and The Michigan Journal of Community Service-Learning. You can also stop by the Center for Community Engagement and Service in Mary Graydon Center 273 and take a look at our library of community-based learning literature and our directory of local non-profit organizations.

I still have questions.  Who do I contact?
Meg Rego is the Program Coordinator for Community-Based Learning. She can be reached at rego@american.edu and 202.885.3629.