Q: I am teaching a course which I think fits the definition of service-learning. Is there a special designation for service-learning courses in the course catalog?
A: The campus’ Faculty Policy Committee on Service-Learning is currently developing a process for instituting a service-learning insignia in the course catalogue and schedule of classes. At this time, courses identified as service-learning will be announced and advertised through the Service-Learning Center. We are working to have the course insignia operational for the 2003-2004 academic year.

Q: I would like to include service-learning in my course’s curriculum but I’m not sure where to start. What resources are available on campus to get me up to speed on service-learning?
A: Contact the Service-Learning Research and Development Center. It is the facilitating agency for academic service-learning at UC Berkeley. Its website offers a listing of online resources. The Center is located at 615 University Hall. You can call the Center at 642-3199.

Q: What is the governing academic body for service-learning activities on campus?
A: The Faculty Policy Committee on Service-Learning is the governing academic body for service-learning activities on campus. Its function is to develop campus-wide policies for academic-service learning activities and initiatives at UC Berkeley. The Committee reports directly to the Chancellor through the Executive Vice-Chancellor and the Provost.

Q: Where can I find information about service-learning courses and activities in my discipline?
A: The Service-Learning Center website has a section on service-learning courses at UC Berkeley, arranged by college/department. Click on the department name to launch a page that lists its service-learning course offerings. Service-learning courses offered at other campuses can be found on the National Campus Compact website and on the Colorado State University Service-Learning website.

Q: What opportunities are there for faculty to learn more about service-learning? Also, are there grants and other forms of financial assistance available for faculty who wish to offer a service-learning course?
A: The Center offers workshops and faculty forums that touch on various aspects of service-learning. The Center also offers curriculum design assistance. For financial assistance, the Center awards instructional minigrants of up to $2500 per semester. It also administers a fund for small class-related expenses such as an honorarium for a community resource speaker. Visit our website to get detailed information on on-campus opportunities for faculty.

Q: Are there opportunities for graduate teaching assistants (GSI) to learn about service-learning?
A: Every academic year, the Center conducts a Service-Learning 101 workshop that deal with the basics of service-learning. These workshops are open to faculty and GSIs. To get a schedule of this and other workshops, check the News channel on our website.

Q: Will using service-learning in my courses count against me in the promotion, review, and tenure process? How do faculty tie service-learning to their overall scholarly work?
A: Many faculty members from various disciplines at UC and other instutions of higher learning have successfully integrated service-learning to their scholarly work. The Service-Learning Center can provide you with materials on this topic.

Q: I would like to find an agency I can work with for a service-learning course I want to offer. Is there a campus resource that can provide me with a list of agencies I can partner with?
A: The Service-Learning Center can assist you in finding the right agency for your course. We collaborate with the UC Berkeley Cal Corps Public Service Center in order to provide you with a list of state and local social service organizations that would meet your needs.

Q: What opportunities are there to publish in the field of service-learning?
A: The UCLA Service-Learning Clearinghouse Project website features a list of journals and other publications where you can submit research and articles on service-learning across all levels.