The second Bi-Annual Lake Superior Regional Service-Learning Conference last week, hosted by the University of Minnesota Duluth, provided an opportunity for eight professors from UW-Superior to share their expertise in utilizing Academic Service-Learning.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn from nationally recognized service-learning leaders, network with other educators, and explore how to create sustainable partnerships and best practices supporting service-learning.  Including presenters, 15 from UW-Superior acquired techniques to integrate Academic Service-Learning, an evidence-based High Impact Practice, into their courses.   

Presenters and a title and description of their presentation are as follows. 

Academic Service-Learning: A High Impact Practice for any Discipline

• Dr. Eleni Pinnow, Assistant Professor of Psychology
• Elizabeth Grbavcich, Senior Lecturer, Writing and Library Science Department
• Gary Keveles, Professor of Criminal Justice, Human Behavior, Justice and Diversity Department
• Michael Raunio, Academic Service-Learning Specialist (Americorps*VISTA)

This panel discussion explored the implementation of academic service-learning (AS-L) across multiple disciplines.

 AS-L quality practice standards framed the discussion of how instructors can best use AS-L to provide a highly beneficial academic experience for students. The academic component of service-learning was presented as a crucial element for success with AS-L.

Additionally, presenters addressed how to create sustainable partnerships and how to assess student learning.

Pre-conference: Bringing Academic Service-Learning Pedagogy into Practice

Jenice Meyer, Coordinator of Academic Service-Learning

This workshop walked through the steps needed to bring service-learning pedagogy into practice. Participants left with: an increased understanding of how service-learning is different than volunteerism, community service and internships; a modified, or the beginnings of a new, syllabus that includes all of the Standards for Quality Practice; and a 'next steps' action plan to finalize the details needed for attendees service-learning course. 

A Visit to the Wizard of Oz: A Community-based Creative Partnership between UW-Superior art students and the Superior Public Library          

Kathy Hubbard, Assistant Professor, Art Department

Joan Linksi, Art Therapy Graduate Student

Art students from the University of Wisconsin- Superior transformed a Superior Public Library classroom into a scene, the Emerald City, from the well know story The Wizard of Oz. On 10/28/11, visitors followed the yellow brick road, meeting along the way Dorothy, the tin woodman, the cowardly lion, the brainless scarecrow, the good and evil witches and the wizard- all community volunteers. The community effort offered children and their parents a safe and fun alternative to traditional trick or treating.  Attendees were informed of the process of developing and implementing this AS-L project.

Getting engaged: First steps in developing a Service-Learning enriched Academic Department

Eleni Pinnow, Assistant Professor of Psychology

Kenna Bolton Holz, Assistant Professor of Psychology

This presentation discussed one academic program's attempt to holistically and cohesively incorporate AS-L into the curriculum and become an engaged program. The majority of the presentation centered on faculty issues in the development and implementation of an AS-L rich curriculum such as maintaining academic integrity and increasing faculty buy-in for AS-L. Finally, presenters discussed ways of incorporating AS-L into departmental and institutional outcomes and strategies to assess those outcomes.

Keynote Speakers included Dr. Andrew Furco, the Associate Vice President for Public Engagement at the University of Minnesota, and Dr. Barbara Jacoby, Faculty Associate for Leadership and Community Service-Learning at the University of Maryland.