Service Learning

At IUPUI, students, faculty, and staff participate in educational service activities that mutually benefit the campus and community. We call this “service learning.”

Service learning is an integral part of the RISE to the IUPUI Challenge initiative. RISE encourages students to incorporate research (R), international experience (I), service learning (S), and experiential learning (E) into their degree programs.

Service Learning Courses

School of Science departments have distinct service learning opportunities; these are course-based, credit-bearing educational experiences. Students should check with the Registrar’s Office or ask their academic advisor for more information on service learning courses.

The IUPUI Center for Service and Learning

The Center for Service and Learning (CSL) involves students, faculty and staff in educationally meaningful service activities that mutually benefit the campus and community. IUPUI has gained national recognition for its commitment to and scholarship on service learning and civic engagement.

CSL is comprised of four offices:

• The Office of Community Service coordinates programs to promote and recognize the involvement of students, in the community. This office cultivates student leadership, organizes campus-wide service events, facilitates alternative break trips and works with student organizations and community agencies to promote service opportunities.
• The Office of Neighborhood Partnerships collaborates with community organizations and other campus units to build long-term partnerships between IUPUI and its surrounding neighborhoods. This office facilitates the Community Outreach Partnership Center Initiative.
• The Office of Community Work Study involves students in the community through Federal Work-Study employment. Through these placements, students have the opportunity to integrate career exploration and educational experiences with meaningful employment.
• The Office of Service Learning assists faculty to develop, implement, and assess service-learning classes. This office consults with faculty, provides resources for course development, conducts research, and promotes the scholarship of engagement.