As Philadelphia University advances work on its signature pedagogy, we are excited to present a relatively new concept into our pedagogical process: Service Learning. Our commitment to this emerging program is stronger than ever, and as an interested faculty member, you are at the forefront of this exciting educational movement. Bridging the gap between textbooks and the real world allows our students to realize how they are able to make a difference and that their education is part of the process of becoming active members of a community. More than simply applying volunteerism as a course component, service-learning courses provides the opportunity to uphold our strong tradition of graduating well-rounded professionals with diverse interests and experiences.

The benefits of service learning transcend the student-teacher relationship. Students are able to apply their classroom education to real-world settings and develop a sense of civic engagement, an educational objective that we all too often forego. They are able to explore new ideas while learning the values and skills that make them good citizens in their communities.

The benefit to faculty is that it simply makes our courses better. In a truly collaborative education environment, one of the many truths is that education cannot exist in a vacuum and be effective. Combining practical and relevant service opportunities with the lessons presented in the classroom makes all involved parties stronger, creating better graduates and better communities.

Service Learning at Philadelphia University

Conceptual Framework

The purpose of the “Serving and Learning in Philadelphia” initiative is to encourage the development of Philadelphia University students as active citizens and professionals by nurturing an ethic of service promoting personal and professional responsibility.

Service Learning in Academic Major – Developing a “Civic Professional” (Year 3-5) Community service-learning programs used to support educational outcomes and learning objectives in courses that comprise the major discipline program of study.   Service Learning in College Studies – Developing an “Active Citizen” (Year 3-4) Community service-learning programs used to support educational outcomes and learning objects in courses that compromise the core curriculum at Philadelphia University.     Promoting Social Action (Year 2-3)  Service programs designed to meet community need which also includes an educational awareness and/or social action component.  These initiatives not only serve community need, but also include efforts to raise awareness and address societal and policy issues that contribute to community need.  NOTE:  This category is ideal for students choosing the SERVE-101 for credit option to meet the Physical Education requirement.     Engagement in the Community (Year 1-2) Programs, largely but not exclusively, sponsored by Student Affairs designed to involve students in service initiatives in the community.  These programs support the development of an ethic of service within the “Finding Philadelphia” first-year experience (FYE) program.   Examples include, but not limited to Community Plunge sponsored through New Student Orientation (NSO), Saturdays of Service, and Day of Service.

Office of Student Development Programs
Community Service  | First Year Experience  | Spiritual Development

The Kanbar Campus Center, Suite 311
phone (215) 951-2634

fax (215) 951-2644

email: StudentDevelopment@PhilaU.edu