Welcome to the Center for Civic Engagement at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The Center is an exciting new venture started in the Fall 2008 with a mission of integrating University intellectual talents with those of the community. The primary mechanism for integration is through the use of Service Learning. The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth defines service learning as a pedagogical method used in credit bearing courses that is designed with the dual mission of:
a) Student attainment of discipline specific knowledge through creatively designed active learning community based projects and
b) Community benefit through the thoughtful identification and completion of community-based service.
The methodology of Service Learning requires:
a) A clear link between academic objectives and service experience that is mutually beneficial to the goals of the course and community need.
b) Student reflection as a means to gain a greater understanding of course content and a broader sense of civic responsibility.
This site is designed to be a resource to both the University and the Community at large. Faculty will find many links to Professional Development opportunities and tools for help reshape their classes. Community members will find important links to other Community Organizations. The website and the Center for which it serves are a “work in progress” and therefore we welcome your comments as we seek to better serve you.
Thanks for visiting the Center for Civic Engagement. Please forward any comments to Dr. Matthew Roy @ mroy@umassd.edu.
