The work of the Commission on Voluntary Service and Action affords perspectives on the problems that agencies face in using student volunteers. Student attitudes, preparation, adjustment, and length of service are discussed. (Editor/LBH)

Presents a seven-step development model that professors new to service learning can use to prepare and conduct a service-learning course. The steps are: define student learning outcomes; define personal scholarship outcomes; plan community collaboration; design the course; arrange logistics and create forms; reflect, analyze, and deliver; and…

Applications of academic values in productive service activities are exemplified by public service internships in Georgia and policy research in Texas. Described are Jimmy Carter's Georgia Intern Program and the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. (Editor/LBH)

Offers three strategies for overcoming the challenges of advancing and institutionalizing service learning at research universities. The strategies address making service learning integral to faculty research, the university mission, and the disciplines. (EV)

Explores the history and evolution of the "Wisconsin idea," a commitment by this university to provide direct benefits to its commonwealth. Discusses the idea's origins from 1874 to 1914, "going national" from 1914 to 1956, the post-World War II transition, and current, varied linkages with state agencies, private companies,…

Describes two significant theoretical approaches to service learning (philanthropic and civil) so that professors are aware of two different impulses that inform service learning. In addition, addresses three critical concerns about service learning: it takes too much time and too many resources, it should not be required, and it should be…

Explains how professors can engage disabled students in service learning, noting that such students are good candidates for providing service to others. Discusses the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities as recipients of service, individuals with disabilities as service providers, and practical advice for developing…

Offers some resources for faculty initiates to service learning that may assist them in understanding service learning and the role it can have in enhancing learning among college students. Describes the contents of several publications on service learning. (EV)

Discusses steps a liberal arts college should take if it wishes to develop an academically and socially effective service-learning program: revisit the college's mission, assemble resources, connect service learning to similar concerns, form a plan for faculty development, and reward faculty who use service learning. (EV)

Provides detailed advice on how professors can use reflection in their service-learning courses. Describes how reflection is a critical component to service learning because it allows students to respond, often in writing, to the relationship between what they are learning in class and what they are experiencing at their service sites. (EV)

Discusses how computer technology is a prime way to enable college students to serve their communities. As part of service learning, they can help agencies create World Wide Web sites or can build university-based Internet resources. (EV)

In a rapidly expanding service environment, governmental entities are looking to campus-based applied research as they seek to modernize and improve public services. Institutions providing this assistance should consider such issues as organizational development, technical competence, econometrics, litigation support, new research opportunities,…

Describes the Institute of Government, a hybrid unit that successfully straddles the academic fault line between public service and traditional scholarship. Discusses its mission, major areas of work and successful programs, organization and funding, and future directions in funding, faculty fields of expertise, civic education, and local…

Established in 1994 at the University of Florida, the Reubin O'Donovan Askew Institute on Politics and Society has focused its energies on reinvigorating civic culture and revitalizing community building in Florida. This article discusses civic culture in Florida, Florida's evolution in the twentieth century, development of the institute, and its…

Offers solutions for faculty working to educate colleagues and administrators to support their use of service learning or who want to access campus resources and support for service learning. Discusses solutions to challenges such as "We already do that,""It takes too much time and effort," and "We're not here to teach…