Service Learning

Service Learning is a powerful tool for teaching, learning, and engaging students and faculty in the needs and real world issues of the community around them.

Connected to actual course credit, Service Learning projects allow students to take what is being learned in the classroom--including lessons from History, principles of Design, fundamentals of Reading and Writing, formulas in Mathematics, techniques of Welding or Electronics and much more--and apply their lessons to community service.

OCC Service Learning Resources

The Oakland Community College "Statement on Civic Engagement"
As one of 32 Michigan Campus Compact member colleges and universities in the state, OCC has pledged its commitment to the mission and principles of Campus Compact with a "Statement on Civic Engagement" from former Chancellor Mary Spangler. 
To read the statement click here.

"Service Learning at OCC"
Oakland Community College joined Michigan Campus Compact in October 2005.  Read about our efforts to promote Service Learning as an exciting and effective teaching and learning tool in this special edition of the Student Life Emailer. 
To read the article click here.

AAHE Series on Service Learning in Academic Disciplines
OCC’s Royal Oak Campus Library has a special series of books published by the American Association of Higher Education on Service Learning in academic disciplines.  Librarian Carol Benson will help connect you to titles like Life, Learning, and Community :Concepts and Models for Service-Learning in Biology and Connecting Past and Present: Concepts and Models for Service Learning in History.
To browse the collection yourself, visit the Library's online catalog by clicking here.

Community Partners Database
The Community Partner's Database is an online database of dozens of non-profit organizations across Oakland County prepared to work with Oakland Community College faculty and students on Service Learning projects.

Service Learning 101
One of the important goals of the Student Life Committee for 2005-2007 is to promote Service Learning opportunities for our students and faculty.  Workshops scheduled through 2006 will help prepare faculty and staff to create and support learning activities that engage our students in their communities.  To view a special presentation on "Integrating Service Learning Into a Traditional Classroom" click here.

Other Service Learning Resources

Michigan Campus Compact
"Michigan Campus Compact promotes the education and commitment of Michigan college students to be engaged citizens, through creating and expanding academic, co-curricular, and campus-wide opportunities for community service, service learning, and civic engagement."  MCC also offers mini-grants to member institutions, maintains an inventory of discipline-specific faculty resources, and sponsors workshops for faculty and staff at all Michigan colleges.  To check out Michigan Campus Compact click here.

Students in Dr. Patrick O'Connor's Political Science classes created "Political Action Day 2004" as an opportunity for OCC students to meet candidates, learn about issues, and explore opportunities for civic engagement.