Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Service-Learning?
A: Service-learning is an educational experience that goes beyond volunteering. Service-learning connects students to the community by integrating academic curriculum with active participation in service, offering structured opportunities for students to reflect on their experiences, and striving to ensure that the service placements are mutually beneficial to students, the organizations, and the community as a whole.

Q: I work at a community organization. What are the benefits of the Coalition?
A: There are distinct benefits to community organizations that participate in the Coalition:

•  The WNYSLC meetings, events, list serve and website provide a resourceful network to promote volunteer opportunities, to increase organizations' visibility and to promote their missions.

•  Community organizations note that they recruit more service-learning students and volunteers--and with a wider range of skills--through participation in the WNYSLC.

•  Representatives from organizations gain the opportunity to meet with and learn from others about effective volunteer recruitment, supervision, and retention strategies and share expertise.

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Q: I work at a higher education institution. What are the benefits of the Coalition to faculty and service-learning administrators?
A: There are distinct benefits to faculty and service-learning administrators who participate in the Coalition:

•  Through events, workshops, and meetings, and online resources, service-learning directors and faculty are able to share ideas and best practices related to service-learning in the curriculum and in co-curricular activities.

•  Service-learning administrators and faculty have the opportunity to meet with representatives from community organizations to learn about service-learning sites and how to maximize the service-learning placement experience for student learning.

•  The WNYSLC offers opportunities for developing collaborative projects and inter-institutional courses, research, and grants.

•  Buffalo State, Canisius, Daemen, D'Youville, Erie Community, Medaille, Trocaire; Villa Maria, Niagara University , and University at Buffalo are active members.

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Q: What are the benefits of the WNYSLC for our community?

•  The WNYSLC is an active collaboration that engages community organizations and higher education institutions in dialogue, educational events, and collaborative projects focused on service that directly benefits our community.

•  The Coalition offers a model of an effective collaboration between higher education institutions and community organizations, one that can be replicated in any community that has multiple higher education institutions with service-learning programs.

•  Service-learning engages college students, many of whom do not originate from Western New York , in the life of our region. Service-learning students are positively exposed to community organizations, networking and job opportunities, rich cultural experiences, and the quality of life available in our region.

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Q: I don't have a service-learning program at my institution or community organization. Can I still be involved?
A: Yes. Participation in the coalition is open to everyone who is interested in being involved in service-learning.

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Q: How much is membership?
A. Higher education institutions make an annual membership contribution. There is a modest registration fee for events for non-profits to cover costs, and scholarships are available.

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Q: When do you have meetings?
A: The coalition meets one afternoon every other month. Meetings are held at various locations and are hosted by members of the coalition. Please see news and updates for upcoming activities.

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Q: How can I get updates on the Coalition?
A: The coalition has a listserve that provides updates on meetings and activities. Please send an e-mail with your contact information to smalinen@daemen.edu

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