Experiential & Service Learning Course Designation Proposal Form

EL (Experiential Learning) Designation

A course will be considered for designation as experiential if:

1. Students participate in an out of classroom experience that adds value to their educational objectives and development through the practical application of program and course outcomes
2. Students reflect on the connections between the experience and their educational objectives and development
3. The project has a professional context which the students may showcase as professional experience. 
4. The project delivers a meaningful product or service to the client.
5. The academic course assignment around the project is substantial and constitutes at least 20% of the final course grade.

Some Examples of Experiential Projects:

• Projects for business or industry which produce research, consulting, or a deliverable product 

SL (Service-Learning) Designation

A course project will be considered for designation as service learning if:

1. Students participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs
2. Students “reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of personal values and civic responsibility” (Bringle & Hatcher, 2005)
3. The project or student service placement has a civic/community orientation and is in partnership with a non-profit or government organization.
4. The project delivers a meaningful product or service to the organization.
5. The academic course assignment around the project is substantial and constitutes at least 20% of the final course grade.

Some Examples of Service Learning Projects:

• Direct service of students in support of an organization’s clients, staff, or events
• Indirect service to an organization producing research, consulting, or a deliverable product
• Advocacy for the cause/mission of an organization

Directions for Completing the EL or SL Course Designation Proposal Form:

1. Faculty, Associate Chairs, Associate Deans, or Department Chairs may propose EL or SL designated courses.
2. A single section of a course, multiple sections, or all sections may be proposed to hold the EL or SL designation.
3. The proposal form must be reviewed and approved by both the Department Chair and the Program Director for Experiential Learning.
4. In order for the EL or SL designation to appear on the course title and be included in the year-long schedule, all proposals must be received and approved by the following deadline:
   October 1 (for the following academic year).  By November 1, the Program Director of Experiential Learning will report approved EL or SL designated courses to the Year Long Scheduling Committee. 
   • Courses will appear in the Banner Course Report in the following formats:
     • MKTG 441: Strategic Marketing—EL
     • ENGL 311:  Professional Writing—SL
   • EL and SL designated courses are also available to students in self-registration and to advisors when scheduling through Banner
   • More information about SL and EL designated courses is available in the Undergraduate Course Catalog on p. 85
5. Any exceptions to the proposal deadline must be approved by the Director of Experiential Learning AND the University Curriculum Committee
6. Please direct questions about this form or the process to:

   Dr. Wayne Sneath
   Program Director Experiential Learning
   Assistant Professor—College of Arts & Sciences
   wayne.sneath@davenport.edu 
   616-871-3968