Service Learning Institute

Mission, Philosophy, and Goal

The programs of the Service Learning Institute engage the content, practice, and pedagogy of service learning to promote social transformation and create a more just world.

— Seth Pollack, Former SLI Director

Mission

The mission of the Service Learning Institute is to foster and promote social justice by cultivating reciprocal service and learning partnerships among CSUMB students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding tri-county community.

Philosophy

Social justice is the guiding principle for our practice in service learning.

We believe that:

• CSU Monterey Bay students, as future leaders of our community, deserve a real-world education that inspires social responsibility, respect for diversity, and compassion for all.
• CSUMB should be a responsible, engaged member of the local community.
• Meaningful service and reflection strengthen academic learning. 
• Education at CSUMB should be transformative.
• All partners in the service learning process should be engaged in teaching and learning, and serving and being served.

Core values that guide our work:

• Building authentic partnerships that demonstrate shared leadership, collaboration, and reciprocity
• Acting with compassion: demonstrating honesty and authenticity
• Working towards social justice: continual movement toward an equitable society
• Developing multicultural understanding and respect for differences
• Cultivating self-awareness of social inequities through active service with the community

Developing young people's commitment to public and community service has been a core goal of California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) since 1995. 

Key Elements of Service Learning

Reciprocity

• The service and learning must be worthwhile and valuable for both the student and the community. There must be reciprocity between the server and those served.

Reflection

• Intentional, systematic reflection about the experience must take place in order to maximize the benefit of service learning experiences.
• Reflection within the context of the service experience encourages introspection of other aspects of the student's life.
• Reflection is the critical process to link service and academic learning objectives.

Integration

• Service activities need to be directly related to the student's academic learning objectives in order to strengthen student's critical thinking.

Diversity

• A priority is placed on involving a broad cross-section of students working in diverse settings and with diverse populations within the community.
• Service helps students overcome stereotypes and fears, and develop skills as multicultural community participants.

Student Learning Goal

Our goal is for CSUMB students to become "Multicultural Community Builders".  A multicultural community builder is someone who has the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to work effectively in diverse communities to create more just and equitable social systems. They are self-aware, responsive to community needs, and committed to understanding and addressing the root causes of social inequities. Through respectful communication, critical analysis, and inclusive action, they collaborate with diverse individuals to promote meaningful social change.

We are committed to engaging the content, practice, and teaching of service learning to bring these values to life.