And, the Office of Service Learning at WMU does it really well. Every year, since 2006, WMU has received the national President's Honor Roll Award for commitment to serving the community. This year, the award was received "with distinction." Only 100 schools earned "with distinction" status—three from Michigan (WMU, MSU, and U of M).
In the 2011-12 academic year, some 5,200 students engaged in academic service learning experiences. Some examples of those experiences include:
- WMU Civil Engineering students worked with KPS (Kalamazoo Public Safety) and MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) on the Sage Routes to School program, where WMU students identified barriers to children who walk or bike to school.
- In Spring 2013, students worked with the new Community Promise Federal Credit Union (federally funded to meet the needs of low-income residents) to create a public relations campaign.
- In another course, students invited local non-profit organizations to submit grant applications, and then selected and awarded small grant funds to those selected.
- A social work class plans and hosts an annual, community-wide event to raise awareness about homelessness, while securing funds and warm clothing for those in need.
- An ongoing project that uncovers artifacts at the Fort St. Joseph archaeological project, site of one of the region's earliest colonial outposts.
- Working with community health providers, such as the WMU Children's Trauma and Assessment Center, and The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services.
It's a win-win situation—students benefit from hands-on opportunities to solve problems and gain real-world experience, while the community benefits from dedicated, competent volunteers. The Office also hosts other events and projects, to learn more about them, please visit the website by following the link below:
WMU — OFFICE OF SERVICE LEARNING
The photo above features WMU Civil Engineering students working with KPS and MDOT on the Safe Routes to School program.