Resources for

Students

Upcoming Conference:

IMPACT: National Student Conference on Service, Advocacy, & Social Action

March 7-9, 2008
Northeastern University
Boston, MA

Join college students, administrators, faculty, national nonprofit organizations, socially-responsible companies and many others this spring in Boston, MA for the historically largest national convening of campus community members involved in service, activism, politics, advocacy and other socially responsible work across philosophical and ideological lines.

www.campusconference.org

For students, service-learning can . . . Enhance Both Theoretical and Practical Understanding

Service-learning offers students the opportunity to apply course concepts and theory in real world problem-solving situations to benefit the community. What they read in books and hear in class can take on new meaning as they use their academic learning and experiences in the community to start constructing knowledge on their own.
Deepen Commitments to Community Involvement
Academic involvement in the public sphere decreases a student's isolation from social and political issues facing society and the local community. Interacting with individuals and agencies allows students to learn the assets, struggles, networks, and resources of various neighborhoods or constituent groups. Students can develop a broader awareness of community involvement, critical thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of course material, all of which expand learning and help prepare students for future roles as engaged citizens.

Service-Learning Statistics for Students
Across member campuses, more than a third of college students engage in service.
Approximately two-thirds of students participating in community service projects are female, while one-third is male.
36% of students at responding institutions are involved in service.
72% of young adults say they have donated money, clothes or food to a community or church group (vs. 86% in 1998).
49% see volunteering for community activities as most important vs. 12% for participating in politics and government.
37% never volunteer (up from 27% in 2000).
59% of campuses report an increase in the number of students participating in service.
21% of campuses report an increase of more than 10% in the number of students service on their campuses.

Guidelines for Working in the Community

By showing professional behavior when you are working at a community site, you will gain the trust of your site supervisor, professor and the population that you are serving.

The characteristivs they expect of you include: interest, initiative, "can-do" attitude, responsibility, appearance, courtesy and willingness to help.

Be willing to accept challenging tasks, because any work you do with the population you interact with is going to increase your confidence and give you insights about how your performance impacts the community.

Over the years, Bucknell has worked hard to develop positive relationships with local agencies and service sites. This semester you will be part of this tradition and will benefit from it. You are expected to speak and act responsibiliy as you work in conjunction with the community.

Responsible prefessional behavior means:

keep confidential (and anonymous in your notes) what is observed and heard about children, parents, teachers, clients, and agency staff
follow professional behavior codes
follow dress codes
park where permitted
report to your service site on time
demonstrate willingness and initiative to follow the site supervisor's suggestions
help as requested and hold critical opinions for later discussion in class or with your professor.

Remember: Bucknell and Lewisburg are small communities. Depending on where you volunteer, you may meet children and spouses of Bucknell professors and staff. Please save reflections about experiences for private spaces.

Dress Code for Community Placements

Students working in a community setting should be dressed appropriately. Casual clothing, including jeans, is acceptable but must be clean and without holes. For the most part, students should use their best judgement in selecting appropriate clothing.

Keep in mind that you may be sitting on the floor or bending over small tables and chairs, therefore your clothing should allow you to make these movements without exposing any skin which others at the site may find offensive. In addition, you are often moving around with kids so wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Clothing that is not acceptable for service in the community:

Tank tops or spaghetti straps
Low cut tops or deep v-neck tops
Tops that reveal midriffs
Low hanging pants that reveal underclothes
Clothing that portrays cigarettes, alcoholic products, bars, extreme groups, and/or profanity
Miniskirts and shorts cut above the mid-thigh.

If students arrive at a site inappropriately dresed, they will asked to leave. Remember that you are representing Bucknell to the community. You want to do so in a positive light.

In addition, you are serving as a role model especially if you are working in the schools or with other youth programs. Please take this into consideration by acting and dressing responsibly.

Important Links
Benefits of Serving
A Map of the Area
Student Programs
10 Gripes of Community Partners
Media Resources
Interns Plus Program
Service-Learning Courses
Responsibilities at Service Site
Internship Credit

Return to Top