What is Service Learning?
Service learning combines community engagement with structured coursework and reflection. You’ll work with community organizations or programs while connecting those experiences to psychological concepts and social issues.
Service Learning Courses Options
- SSC 199 – Community Engagement: Act Locally, Think Globally
- Credits: 3 credits
- When offered: Fall, Spring, and/or Summer (varies)
- Eligibility: Primarily first- and second-year College of Social Science students
- What's involved? Introductory service-learning experience combining community engagement with reflection on leadership, identity, and civic responsibility.
- Why this option? A great entry point for students seeking hands-on experience while developing leadership and community engagement skills.
- SSC 399 – Service Learning and Civic Engagement: Theory and Practice
- Credits: 3 credits
- When offered: Fall, Spring, and/or Summer (varies)
- Eligibility: Primarily junior and senior College of Social Science students
- What's involved? Advanced service-learning focused on advocacy, social change, and engagement with community organizations serving diverse populations.
- Why this option? Ideal for students interested in connecting community service with social justice, policy, and helping-profession careers.
- PSY Student Success Mentors Program
- Credits: 6 credits in PSY 399 – PSY Service and Engagement (3 per semester)
- When offered: Academic year (Fall + Spring)
- Eligibility: Junior or senior Psychology majors, strong academic standing, interest in mentorship, leadership, and student support
- What's involved?
- Mentor PSY students on academic success, resource navigation, and major-related planning.
- Support drop-in services, outreach initiatives, and community-building efforts within the Psychology Department.
- Why this option?
- Gain meaningful leadership and helping-profession experience while making a direct impact on the PSY Spartan community.
- Build skills relevant to careers in counseling, education, student affairs, social work, and related fields.
What have other PSY Spartans done?
Students have:
- Mentored peers and supported student success through psychology-based programs.
- Completed community engagement hours with local nonprofits and service organizations.
- Worked with populations such as youth, families, and underserved communities.
- Explored advocacy and social change through hands-on experiences.
What will I gain from this experience?
Service learning helps you build applied, people-centered skills:
- Helping skills: mentoring, active listening, and support strategies.
- Professional communication: working with community partners and diverse groups.
- Leadership & initiative: contributing to projects and community impact.
- Civic awareness: understanding systems, inequities, and social issues.
- Reflection & integration: connecting real-world experience to psychology.
Is this experience for me?
Service learning may be a good fit if you:
- Want a structured, for-credit experience.
- Are interested in volunteerism or community-based work.
- Prefer hands-on learning connected to coursework.
- Want to explore social impact and advocacy.
- Are considering careers in social work, therapy/counseling, public policy, community health, education, or non-profits.
How do I participate in SSC 199/399?
Enroll directly through Student Information System.
- Note: These are popular experiences that fill quickly. Join the waitlist if they’re full and enroll in back-up options in case you don’t come off the waitlist.
How do I participate in PSY Student Success Mentors?
- Visit current PSY Student Success Mentors during their Support Hours to learn more about the program.
- Applications are typically February-March. Candidates are invited for interviews in March-April, then selected students are notified in April-May. Check back later.