Institutionalization: Service Learning at the University of Central Oklahoma

1. Institutionalization: Service Learning at the University of Central Oklahoma Josh Krawczyk Director, Volunteer and Service Learning Center (VSLC) April 2007

2. UCO Demographics • 16,000+ undergraduate students • Approximately 10% live on campus • High international student population • Racially and ethnically diverse • High % of nontraditional students

3. Know Your Students • Service Learning and students don’t exist in a vacuum • Service Learning must fit within the context of their careers at UCO • “Meet them where they are”

4. Administrative Structure • Housed in Division of Student Affairs • Director reports to VP Student Affairs • VSLC has two full-time staff, Director and Volunteer Coordinator • Duties divided: Volunteer Coordinator handles all extra curricular service activities, Director handles all curricular service

5. Constituent Groups • The VSLC addresses the needs of three groups: • Students • Faculty • Community Partners “Meet them where they are…”

6. Campus Allies • President • Provost • VP, Student Affairs • Entire Division of Student Affairs • Deans • Faculty • Student Government

7. Vision VSLC Mission The Volunteer and Service Learning Center at UCO will provide diverse opportunities for students to perform meaningful service in the Edmond and Oklahoma City communities.  The Center will act as a partner and resource for students, faculty and community members in developing and implementing volunteer and service learning projects.   These efforts will promote civic engagement by instilling a commitment to public life through communities of practice.

8. Student Affairs Mission The Division of Student Affairs will provide a challenging and supportive community for students by fostering their understanding of self, appreciation of diversity and commitment to service. These goals are achieved by providing progressive and inclusive programs andservices that enhance student learning and well being.

9. Academic Affairs Values • Integrity We earn trust through honesty and ethical leadership. • Student Centered We offer an integrated, relevant educational experience. • Academic Excellence We foster critical thinking, communication, and a passion for life-long learning. • Continuous Improvement We achieve excellence through decisions based on information and analysis. • Collegiality We uphold an atmosphere of mutual respect, professional behavior and academic freedom. • Community We cultivate community involvement and civic engagement.

10. UCO Long Term Goals 1) Engage all students in: • Leadership, • Research and creative activities, and • SERVICE LEARNING ACTIVITIES. 3) Increase collaborations: • on the UCO campus, • among institutions, and • WITH THE OUTSIDE COMMUNITY

11. $$$ Talks • Scholarship incentives for students • Release time for faculty • Departmental grants Hard funding critical for sustainability

12. Not Reinventing the Wheel • Identify existing SL, or versions of it • Understand existing culture of service • Establish measurable goals, clear vision for future • Best practices at peer institutions • Resource groups: Campus Compact, National SL Clearinghouse, listservs

13. Questions Josh Krawczyk Director, VSLC University of Central Oklahoma (405)974-2622 JKrawczyk@ucok.edu www.ucok.edu/volunteer