Making an impact on our region – and beyond – is an important part of our mission. At SHU, social responsibility plays a role in our curriculum, events and student activities – with a large majority of students choosing community service from our wealth of options. In fact, there is a volunteer opportunity to suit everyone – every aspiration, every career goal, every social interest.

Through the Office of Service Learning, students can find out about our service learning optioned courses each semester, which are coordinated with faculty and provide college credit. For instance, a student in the Concepts in Biology course might serve as a science tutor in Bridgeport schools for credit. In this way, service deeply enriches those in need and those who serve – all part of our engaged learning ethic.

The Service Learning Program offers students an opportunity to learn and develop through active participation in service experiences that are integrated into the academic curriculum.  The work meets community needs and is directly linked to the content of the course.  A Service-Learning course includes reflection and analysis of the service experience and allows students to develop academic and leadership skills while fostering social responsibility and a sense of caring about others.

Approximately 18–20 different Service Learning courses are offered each semester.  An example of a Service Learning course is Sociology 101 which offers students the opportunity to do work related to their course in a community center, soup kitchen or school. Transportation is available through the Community Connections vans.