GSLIS: General Service-Learning Information

Session

Center for Service-Learning and Civic EngagementMichigan State University

Online

This presentation will provide:

• Learning objectives• Overview of service-learning• Explanation of required paperwork• The timeline for this semester

By the end of this presentation you should be able to….

• Differentiate between volunteerism and service-learning

• Provide an overview of the services of the CSLCE• Articulate the responsibilities of being a service-learning volunteer• Articulate the responsibilities of the host organization

• Build a relationship with partnering organizations • Introduce oneself in a business manner via phone call

• List the days service-learners are exempt from attending their volunteer site

• Articulate the purpose of the service-learner evaluation• List the semester long timeline for the service-learning experience• Recognize when they need to contact a program advisor for assistance

Service-Learning Vs Volunteering

• Volunteering is a… One way relationship- working for a community.

Task focused.

• Service-learning is a…Two way relationship- working with a community

Service learning involves gaining valuable knowledge and skills while providing service to your community. It also includes understanding the impact and meaning of your service through reflection.

What Organizations can expect from you:

• Communication, communication, communication.• Consistent Attendance and Commitment

These organizations are relying on your help.• Respect for the organization• Professional demeanor (see dress guidelines)• Engaged and focused when serving (not texting in a corner)

Above all else, remember you are representing MSU when you serve!

Attendance Guidelines

•Consistent and punctual attendance is required.

•Any hours missed are required to be made up.

•Notify your site ASAP about any absences, scheduled or unexpected.

UNACCEPTABLE Reasons for Absence

• Studying for a test

• Writing a paper or preparing for a presentation

• Too tired, don’t feel like it, it’s raining/cold, going/went home for the weekend, etc

• Missed the bus

ACCEPTABLE Reasons for AbsenceIllness

• 1 day: notify your site prior to your assigned time• 2-3 days: notify your site and instructor• 1 week: doctor’s note for your site and instructor

Severe Illness or Death in the Family• Notify your site and instructor• Instructor may require official documentation when you

returnCar Breakdown

• Permissible 1 time• If car trouble persists and your site is not otherwise

accessible, notify the CSLCE (517-353-4400) and attempts will be made to find an alternative placement

Expectations While at Service Site

• Sign-in to and sign-out of service site. You will find a log sheet in the link of paperwork. This log is for your own records.

• Keep phones on silent. Inform supervisor if you need to make a call.

• NO personal calls or texting while at site. • No cigarettes, matches, lighters, pocketknives,

personal defense items, or weapons are allowed on your person. Check with site policy or supervisor, if you are unsure.

Expectations Working With Clients

• Do NOT transport students or clients in personal or university vehicles

• Work with clients is to be done on school/agency property only. If you are asked to work one-on-one with an individual at the site, do so in an open setting.

• Do NOT divulge information that would make student or client identifiable to others

• Use high-fives, positive verbal encouragement and hand shakes when interacting with people

• Do NOT purchase gifts for students or clients

Client Expectations Continued• Be aware of clients’ personal space• Reduce your potential for getting sick by following basic

sanitary guidelines: wash hands, keep long hair tied back, avoid sharing hats

Student-Specific Requirements:• Do NOT initiate hugs, pat students on the back, or allow

students to sit in your lap• You are required by law to report any mention of abuse

or anything that leads you to be concerned of a child’s welfare to your supervisor (or the CSLCE, if you feel more comfortable)

• On-site orientation/training• Resources• Feedback• Recognition of student• Compliance with university policies

If the agency does not meet the above expectations or you are otherwise experience difficulty with your site, inform CSLCE staff.

What You Can Expect from the Agency You Serve:

Evaluation Feedback Form:

• Will be sent to you by your program advisor near the end of semester• To be completed by your agency supervisor about your performance • To be kept by you, for the purposes of:

-Understanding areas of success and improvement

-Closure

-Future letter of recommendation

The Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement facilitates connections matching academic, professional, and personal interests with community

needs.

The CSLCE…• Maintains a database of placements• Provides records of service to students upon

graduation • Partners with CATA to supply bus tokens• Supports students to ensure positive service

experiences

What services are provided by the CSLCE?

• Staff advisors have an open door policy

• Call or email your staff advisor if:– You are having trouble making contact with your agency– What you are doing does not align with the responsibilities

listed in the position description– You are not satisfied with your placement– You would like to sign up for an additional volunteer position– You have any questions, comments, concerns, or

suggestions…

When Should I Contact the CSLCE?

• Within 1 week of GSLIS• Contact Agency (recommended within 2 business days)• Referral letter returned to CSLCE

– If not returned within 2 weeks, student will be withdrawn from position– Also turn in any additional paperwork required. This varies depending on what

agency you are serving, and is listed on your referral letter.

• Mid semester• Email check-in from CSLCE staff advisor

• End of semester• Wrap up Email from CSLCE staff advisor

– Survey evaluation– Opportunity to continue placement for spring semester,

Please reregister next semester

Semester Timeline for Service Learners

Dates students are exempt for their placement:

• January 20 - MLK Day • March 3-7 – MSU Spring Break• April 25 - Last day of classes and service

Note: Be sure to check with your agency regarding any other days that you might be exempt from volunteering, particularly if your placement is with a school or childcare center.

PAUSE HERE• Please take this short, simple survey: • www.surveymonkey.com/s/KZBPZGK• Then email your program adviser (the staff person who emailed you the link to

this presentation) a screenshot of the survey’s final page. This will prove that you took the survey and understand the content of this presentation.

• After you email your adviser proof of taking the survey, they will email you your referral letter and a link to additional paperwork. This may take a few days. Once you have your referral letter, it is your responsibility to read through it carefully and use it to contact your agency. Set up a time to meet your agency contact and create a schedule for when you’ll come in and serve. Fill out the bottom portion of the letter with your agency, then turn it back in to the CSLCE through email, fax or drop off.

• The next few slides include information about referral letters and other paperwork. Your referral letter will help you introduce yourself to your agency and provide you with important information on required paperwork and suggested transportation. The last slide of this presentation has a helpful list of next steps.

Sample Referral Letter

Your agency’s contact information.

Referral Letter

Additional paperwork required listed here.

Transportation suggestions

Referral Letter

Fill this portion out with your agency.

Here is the name of your program’s CSLCE advisor.

• Before you call: Know your weekly schedule and when you are available to serve.

• Clear Introduction• “Hi my name is Jane Doe, I am a student from the Center for Service-Learning

and Civic Engagement at Michigan State University.”

• State why you are calling• “I recently met with staff from the Service-Learning Center and have been

referred to your agency for the _____ volunteer position. Is this a good time to set up an orientation/initial visit with you?”

• Be prepared to discuss your availability

• Voicemail Etiquette• Keep it short:

• Name, number, reason for calling, repeat name & number• Expect a response within 3-5 business days

If your agency does not respond after a 3rd call attempt, send an email to agency and contact your CSLCE program adviser.

Contacting Your Agency:Phone Etiquette

Supplemental Materials:

Note: Some but not all organizations require background checks and/or TB tests. The supplemental forms required for your specific position are listed on your referral letter.

If you need a…• Background check

– Good for 6 months– Email or fax to CSLCE– You will be contacted only if there are any concerns

• TB Test– Good for one year– Turn in to the agency you are serving– Olin offers free testing, see information sheet

Looking for other ways to serve?• Short term volunteering opportunities:

- Alternative Spartan Break* www.asb.msu.edu

- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)* www.vita.msu.edu

- Into the Streets* www.streets.msu.edu

- Short Term Opportunities Newsletter (ST-020)Register for ST-020 like your registered for your other position at

www.servicelearning.msu.edu. It is not a real service position, but lets us know you want to receive the newsletter.

*Student led initiatives

• Long term volunteering opportunities:You do not have to be in a class that requires service-learning to participate. Any

semester you would like to serve, the CSLCE is happy to help you.

Contact InformationCenter for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement

345 Student Services Building

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI 48824-1113

Phone: (517) 353-4400

Fax: (517) 353 6663

E-mail: servlrn@msu.edu

Web: www.servicelearning.msu.edu

Follow us on Twitter @ MSU_ServeEngage

Facebook Page: MSUServiceLearning

Last revision 11/5/2013

Now what?• You should have already proved you viewed this presentation by taking the survey and

emailing your adviser a screen shot of the last page.• Wait for your referral letter and a link to additional paperwork (these will be emailed to

you).• Read through your referral letter carefully. Identify what additional paperwork you need

to fill out and make sure you have reliable transportation to your service site. • Use your referral letter to contact your agency.• Set up a time to meet.• At that meeting, create a schedule for when you will come in and serve. Fill out the

bottom of your referral letter.• Turn your referral letter back in to the CSLCE.• Turn in any other paperwork needed (background test, TB test, etc.)• Start serving! • Let us know if you have any problems and keep an eye out for “end of the semester”

emails from us.