Components

CSUMB's service learning requirement has two components: the Lower Division Service Learning Requirement; and the Upper Division Service Learning Requirement.  All service learning courses are designated in the catalog by the "S" suffix (i.e., BIO 379SBIO 379S: Biology Service Learning; HCOM 350SHCOM 350S: Oral Hist/Comm Mem SL).

Lower-Division Service Learning Requirement

All lower division service learning courses integrate and fulfill both the Lower Division Service Learning Outcomes (GE Area D3) and the outcomes from one of the other GE Areas (A-E). Lower Division SL courses are either 5 or 6 units, depending on the unit value of the area A-E course. Service learning courses effectively intergrate the planned service activities and the course learning outcomes. If a course has an "S" designation, it will:

  • Involve students in service activites or projects with external communities that are responsive to community-identified needs;
  • Require students to integrate the learning derived from service with course learning outcomes through critical reflection exercises, discussion, written, oral or media presentations; and,
  • Provide students an opportunity for consistent engagement in the community for a minimum of 30 hours over the duration of the semester, focused on the Lower Division Service Learning Outcomes.

Upper Division Service Learning Requirement

Upper Division Service Learning courses also effectively intergrate the planned service activities and the course learning outcomes. Upper Division service learning courses are also grounded in the content of the major. They help to develop you as socially responsible professionals in your field. If an upper division course has an "S" designation, it will:

  • Involve students in service activites or projects with external communities that are responsive to community-identified needs;
  • Students will integrate the learning derived from service with course learning outcomes through critical reflection exercises, discussion, written, oral or media presentations; and,
  • Students will be engaged in the community for a minimum of 30 hours over the duration of the semester, focused on the Upper Division Service Learning Outcomes. 
Courses

CSUMB offers over 50 service learning courses each semester. They can be identified by an "S" following the course number (e.g. LS 398SLS 398S: Soc Found of Multicult Ed). Click here for a list of approved Lower Division Service Learning courses.  Click here for a list of approved Upper Division Service Learning courses. 

Community Service Partners

The Service Learning Institute maintains MYSLP, a database of over 500 community partner organizations. Each semester, over 200 schools, non-profits and governmental agencies host CSUMB service learning students. These community organizations provide a rich experiential learning environment for students, meaningfully connected to their field of study.