Community Engaged Learning
At Xavier University, Community Engaged Learning represents the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, state/regional, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.
Learn more about the types of community-engaged learning supported by the Eigel Center below or watch testimonials of students who participated in immersive and service-learning experiences.
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What is Service Learning (SERL)?
A class that has an SERL attribute serves students and the community equally. Guided through analysis and reflection, a service learning class connects students with a community partner where they will leverage their academic disciplines in order to elevate the nonprofit and community as part of their learning experience.
What is Immersive Learning (ILE)?
A class with an ILE attribute means students will be immersed in a community that is facing systematic challenges and injustices. Immersive learning classes partner with local, domestic, and international organizations, and provide a connection with diverse populations and experiences relevant to students' work in the classroom
WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE TOWARDS COMMUNITY ENGAGED LEARNING
- For students, you can find these courses in the "Browse Classes" section on Self Service: Advanced Search > Attribute field search or scroll to select "Immersive Learning Experience" (ILE) and/or "Service Learning" (SL)
- Talk to your advisor about the opportunities available to you
- Register for the classes during your allotted time
Service Learning
Each academic year, the Eigel Center supports faculty from over 22 different academic departments to introduce or continue courses that leverage service-learning as part of their instruction. Service-learning courses are credit-bearing experiences designed to benefit both the learner and the community served equally. Xavier students uniquely leverage their academic disciplines to elevate the impact of nonprofit and the communities they serve. Past courses have provided tangible benefits through student work products and hands-on application of their coursework and faculty-led expertise.
Dr. Strunk’s students apply their learning from Latin texts and immigration in ancient Rome to today’s context in the United States.
Cari's pediatric experience course engaged with Healthy Moms & Babes, an experience that made her aware of the challenges and circumstances facing Cincinnati mothers.
Immersive Learning
The Eigel Center supports faculty across all disciplines in the creation, implementation, and assessment of credit-bearing courses which include Immersive learning experiences. Immersive learning incorporates an examination of social justice issues while immersing students in a community affected by systemic challenges and injustices. Prompted by observation, direct experience and reflection, students consider various worldviews and perspectives different from their own through direct interaction with diverse populations. Immersive learning provides students with both meaningful engagement opportunities in interactive partnerships with local, domestic or international communities and academic structures for analysis, reflection on their learning, and application to future action.
Sarah Peters talks about Su Casa Hispanic Center and her study abroad in Peru.
Katie's occupational therapy class had an Immersive learning experience in Guatemala.
University approved Attributes that designate Immersive Learning and Service Learning integrated into courses are now available for faculty. Attributes should primarily aid faculty who want to identify courses that leverage either of these high impact practices that have been prioritized in the current Academic and University Strategic Plans. Attributes should also support student advising that directs students more easily to these course-based experiences as part of their individual academic planning.
More than service simply accompanying the curriculum, community-engaged learning integrates service and academics. It creates a community-based experience, effective with virtually any field of study. Read our faculty profiles to learn more about past campus + community partnerships.