USU Honored at Utah Campus Compact's Annual Service-Learning Event

Utah State University was one of 13 Utah campuses honored at the Utah Campus Compact Annual Service-Learning Recognition event, held Tuesday, April 6, in Salt Lake City. The event brought all Utah campus presidents together to honor an outstanding engaged scholar, student humanitarian and committed community partner from each university.

“Utah Campus Compact is a coalition of college and university presidents who are committed to service-learning,” said Utah Campus Compact Chair and Weber State University President Ann Millner. “Utah is the only state where every campus is part of the program and where legislative money has been appropriated to further this cause.”

 

Utah State University President Stan L. Albrecht was present and honored the three Utah State individuals, including Jay Price, Outstanding Student Humanitarian; Leo Bravo, Community Partner; and David Herrmann, Engaged Faculty.

 

“All three of these individuals are amazing examples for the service-learning program at Utah State,” said Belinda Lopez Schultz, Associated Students of Utah State University Val R. Christensen Service Center vice president.

 

Utah State’s service-learning programs were initiated three years ago by students who wanted a hands-on approach to learning, said Robert Schmidt, coordinator of the academic service-learning program.

 

“Students are able to apply all that they are learning and use it through service,” Schmidt said. “Service-learning ties what you are learning in class with the needs of society.”

 

Karin Gourley, the first USU graduate who will receive the service-learning certificate in May, said the service-learning program is an excellent way to get involved at the university and to meet others who are interested in service.

 

To earn a service-learning certificate at Utah State, students must apply for the Service-Learning Scholars Program by filling out an application and writing an essay detailing their interest in service-learning and their dedication to community engagement. Twenty-five students are admitted to the program each year, with a maximum of 100 students enrolled at once, said Schultz.

 

Once accepted to the program, students are required to take nine credits from an approved list of service-learning courses, perform a minimum of 400 service hours, develop and complete an approved capstone project and present a reflective portfolio, she said.

 

Receiving the service-learning certificate is an incredible accomplishment, and employers recognize the award and look on it as an honor, said Schultz.

 

“Graduating with a service-learning certificate is similar to graduating with honors,” said Schultz.