Frequently Asked Questions for Students

Service learning is an academic program that enables students to perform meaningful community service related to their courses. By combining community service with academic coursework, students may enrich their learning, personal growth, and make sense of civic responsibility.  

Credit is not given for the service alone. You must demonstrate that learning has occurred to have it count toward your grade. Therefore, before you even start working at your chosen agency, try to figure out what aspects of the agency, its clients or the work itself might connect to the particular service learning course you are taking. Then, while you are working at the site, keep these things in mind so you can relate your service experience to specific course content. We in the Service Learning Program make every effort to offer you placements that will in some way link up with the course you are taking. You must make the effort to find out what those connections are as you work at the agency. Many professors will state the learning objectives of the course in the syllabus, which may help guide your learning. If you are still unsure about how to connect your service experience to the course, discuss it with your professor or with a member of the service learning staff.

The Service Learning Program partners with over 75 local organizations in Milwaukee. Students select where they complete their service, which should complement their coursework. Responsibilities vary and may include tutoring, planning after-school activities, or working with older adults, administrative work, etc.

Students can look at our current community partner list to gain a better understanding of potential work, as well.  

Students complete 20 hours per semester, this is about two hours weekly. Some courses and site placements may require more time. The schedule depends on the organization you choose, so consider your class schedule and availability. Students must complete their hours throughout the semester, continuing service even if they complete the 20 hours early. 

Communication is crucial. If you need to miss a day or an emergency arises, contact your supervisor at the organization immediately. You will troubleshoot with your supervisor and/or site to find time to make back any missed hours. 

You are excused during scheduled school breaks but remind your site contact of your absence. 

The actual work you do at the organization may not be different from what you would have done as a volunteer; however, your approach to the work should be different from that of a volunteer. As a service learner, you reflect more on the organization, the people, your experiences and your reactions to find deeper meanings that relate to your course content. We call this service learning because you're at the organization not just to do service but to also learn about the course you're taking by working in the community.

The Service Learning Program moved to online registration. Students should log in to their MUEngage account, find their service learning course, and preview the events (i.e., service learning placements) partnered with their course. The MUEngage Instructional Guide for Students gives step-by-step instructions on how to register for service learning. After students register for service learning, their student coordinator will follow up with a detailed email with instructions on the next steps. 

Your Student Coordinator (SC) works for the Service Learning Program and arranges your service at your specific site. SC are used as a liaison between students, professors, and community partners. They are here to answer any questions and assist you in troubleshooting issues related to service learning. You may contact your SC for issues like transportation, site contact, connecting service to your class, safety, or any other problems or questions during the semester. 

After you register and receive an email from your student coordinator with instructions on next steps, it is your responsibility to follow those instructions so you can start your service. Students may need to complete extra trainings or a background check and schedule their orientation. Students should check their email frequently and complete any necessary paperwork and training. Students' service will start after their orientation with the organization. 

Yes, you can choose an independent placement for your service learning, but there are a few things to keep in mind: 

Even though you may serve at an independent site, you will still be part of the Service Learning Program. Due to that you must follow all the steps listed: 

1. Independent Placement Form: Visit our office at 1102 W. Wisconsin Ave., Room 303, to pick up an Independent Placement Form. Fill it out and have your professor sign it.
2. Professor's Approval: Your professor must agree that your selected placement adequately fits with the course content.
3. Form Submission: Once the form is signed, return it to the Service Learning Program Office. At this time, you will also receive a timesheet.
4. Troubleshooting: If the placement does not work out or if there are problems with the site, notify your student coordinator, who will assist you in resolving the issues and finding a suitable placement if necessary. 

By following these steps, you can ensure that your independent placement meets the program’s requirements as well as supports your academic and service learning goals. 

Due to the significant participation in our Service Learning Program—between 1,000 to 1,500 students each semester—we are unable to provide transportation for all participants.  

However, students are provided with free access to Milwaukee's public transit system (MCTS) through UPass and the UMO app. MCTS facilitates travel to the majority of service-learning placements via city buses.

Many placements are within walking distance of campus, which allows many students easy transportation.  

For sites requiring transportation beyond bus routes, SCs are available to help students coordinate carpooling. 

While there have been no reported crimes against service-learning students, safety is a priority. Students may visit the safety page for additional tips. 

Safety Tips:

• Go to and from your site with at least one other person. The service learning student coordinator who is managing your chosen placement will help you with this if you let her/him know you're interested.
• Take a self-defense course offered by MUPD.
• Be aware of your surroundings and make smart decisions.
• Visit our safety page for additional tips.

Given the fact that this will be a short-term experience for you, it's unlikely that it will be too awful to continue. Before you decide to quit, consider whether it will give you information that would be useful for your course (or maybe for life). Talk over your issues with your student coordinator, and possibly with your professor. If you simply cannot continue, your student coordinator will help you bow out gracefully and – if there's time in the semester – will assist you in finding a more suitable placement.

Service learning is a wonderful way for students to take initiative and contribute to the mission of countless different organizations within the city of Milwaukee. If you feel you are being underutilized or are having trouble drawing a connection between your service and your course curriculum, we encourage you to have a conversation with your site contact about other options that may exist. If you are in need of more assistance, do not hesitate to ask your student coordinator for help.

Service learning experiences can be a powerful asset for professional development by allowing students to build practical skills, demonstrate leadership, and establish valuable networks. These experiences help students develop transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and project management, adminstrative tasks, leadership, and many other professional skills highly valued by employers. By documenting their roles and achievements, students can enhance their resumes and LinkedIn profiles, making them stand out in job applications and interviews. Additionally, service learning provides opportunities for meaningful networking with community leaders and professionals, which can lead to mentorship and job opportunities. Overall, service learning not only helps students explore career paths but also offers concrete examples of their abilities and commitment to social responsibility.

Service learning at Marquette University aligns with several Jesuit values, foundational principles that guide students’ education and development. These values emphasize holistic personal growth, social justice, and societal betterment through thoughtful action. Key Jesuit values include: 

• Magis (striving for excellence): This value challenges students to strive for more in their service. For example, a student tutoring at a local school might develop innovative lesson plans or extracurricular activities to enhance learning experiences, going beyond the minimum requirements to make a significant impact. 

• Women & Men for and with Others (pursuing justice and concern for the marginalized): This principle encourages students to share their gifts, pursue justice, and show concern for the poor and marginalized. Volunteering at shelters or advocating for underrepresented communities allows students to embody this value by actively working to improve the lives of those in need. 

• Cura Personalis (care for the whole person): Respecting each person as a child of God, students engage deeply with individuals they serve, recognizing and addressing their unique needs. Working with elderly adults in community centers or mentoring youth allows students to practice empathy and provide personalized support. 

• Unity of Heart, Mind, & Soul (developing the whole person): This value focuses on integrating all aspects of life. Service learners reflect on their experiences, such as journaling about work at a homeless shelter, to connect their service to academic theories and personal beliefs, fostering holistic development. 

• Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG - for the Greater Glory of God): Students aim to honor this value by dedicating their efforts to higher purposes, whether through direct service or advocating for social justice, ultimately striving to make a meaningful impact. 

• Forming & Educating Agents of Change (teaching responsible action): Service learning teaches behaviors reflecting critical thought and responsible action on moral and ethical issues. Engaging in community projects or policy advocacy, students learn to be agents of change, addressing societal challenges with informed and ethical approaches. 

By integrating these Jesuit values, students not only contribute to the community but also grow personally and academically. This holistic approach ensures that service learning at Marquette University fosters compassionate, thoughtful, and effective leaders dedicated to making a positive impact within and beyond the Marquette community. 

Service learning at Marquette University embodies the institution’s Four Pillars of Excellence: Leadership, Excellence, Service, and Faith. These pillars guide students to develop holistically and contribute meaningfully to the community. Here’s how service learning connects to each pillar: 

• Leadership: Service learning provides students with opportunities to develop and demonstrate leadership skills. By coordinating projects, leading initiatives, or mentoring peers, students take on roles that require responsibility, decision-making, and effective communication. For instance, a student leading a community garden project learns to manage resources, motivate volunteers, and navigate challenges, honing their leadership capabilities. 

• Excellence: This pillar encourages students to strive for the highest standards in all endeavors. In service learning, students are expected to go beyond basic requirements, applying critical thinking and creativity to address community needs. A student working on a public health campaign might use their knowledge to design impactful educational materials, reflecting a commitment to excellence in their contributions. 

• Service: Central to the service learning experience is the commitment to serving others. Students engage in activities that directly benefit the community, such as tutoring, assisting in shelters, or supporting local non-profits. This pillar is about making a tangible difference in the lives of others, embodying Marquette’s dedication to creating positive social change. 

• Faith: Service learning integrates faith into action, encouraging students to reflect on their beliefs and values as they serve. This pillar promotes the idea that faith should drive efforts towards justice and compassion. Through activities like volunteering at faith-based organizations or participating in reflective discussions, students connect their service to their spiritual and ethical values. 

By participating in service learning, Marquette students experience these pillars in action, fostering personal growth and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. This holistic approach ensures that students not only excel academically but also develop into compassionate, effective leaders dedicated to serving their communities.