Canisius College

Community-Based Learning (CBL) is an academic course-based pedagogy that combines formal academics with direct "real-world" exposure to an issue in a community setting. CBL may involve experiential education, immersion experiences, researching community needs, and service-learning.
When the service done by students is required in a course, it is called service-learning (SL). When the service is an option in a course, the service is referred to as a service-learning option (SLO). 
Service-Learning courses propose the method of learning through experience, as well as material learned in the classroom. There are three components:

• An academic course
• Community service 
• Reflection

The service done in the community becomes like a "living text". It is part of the course like every other aspect of the course. Service is required when the course involves service-learning.  The same experience may apply to more than one course.

What is a Service-Learning Option?

When service is offered as an option in a course, then it is called a service-learning option (SLO).  It differs from service-learning in that a professor may not require service for their course, but instead offer it as an alternative to in-class assignments, and may require a shorter number of hours. SLO is not an integral part of the course unlike service-learning where the entire class is engaged in a service experience. SL is usually incorporated into the class syllabus, whereas SLO is not.

"Tell me, I will forget.  Show me, I may remember. Involve me and I will understand." -Chinese Proverb

Mission Statement:

The mission of The Office for Community-Based Learning is to enhance academic learning through a service experience which enables our students to become men and women with and for others and to become aware of the needs existing in the community, so that through this experience a transformation of heart and community might take place.

Learning Outcomes

Participation in service-learning should provide students with increased:
1. Course specific learning in a community setting
2. Awareness of the need to promote social justice
3. Sensitivity to issues of culture and diversity
4. Ability to identify community needs and resources
5. Awareness of social responsibility and active citizenship

News and Information

The Office for Community-Based Learning is proud to announce our partnership with AmeriCorps as of Novermber 2009.  Click here to meet our Americorps volunteer staff member. 

Please visit the AmeriCorps website for more information on the organization: www.wnyamericorps.org/serveshere    

Canisius College has been named to the 2009 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Our selection to the Honor Roll is recognition from the highest levels of the federal government of our commitment to service and civic engagement on our campus an in our nation.

Resources:

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Campus Compact: www.compact.org (Campus Compact "is a national coalition of almost 1,200 college and university presidents—representing some 6 million students—who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education. As the only national higher education association dedicated solely to campus-based civic engagement, Campus Compact promotes public and community service that develops students’ citizenship skills, helps campuses forge effective community partnerships, and provides resources and training for faculty seeking to integrate civic and community-based learning into the curriculum.")

Student Informational Brochure

Refugee Brochure

Tutoring Brochure

Community-Garden Brochure

To find more information about our community partners please browse through the Western New York Service-Learning Coalition's online database.