Volunteering to remove invasive species is service.

Using skills learned in class to identify, chart and pick samples of invasive species while conducting the first plant survey on Wisconsin Point in 50 years is academic service-learning.

Grant helps students become environmental stewards for Wisconsin Point

The survey being completed by UW-Superior biology students is one of many examples of service-learning experiences taking place in Superior and its surrounding communities; all made possible by the Center for Academic Service-Learning.

Bridging Classroom and Community 

UW-Superior students are applying what they're learning to meet the needs of non-profit organizations, schools, nursing homes, and many other businesses. These reciprocal partnerships provide real-world, hands-on learning opportunities for students and resources for their community.

Here's what community members are saying about the partnerships:

"I do believe that both parties benefit from these efforts. It is good for us to have input from students and UW faculty; it keeps us current." --David Cochrane, Family Forum, Inc. Director

"The residents loved having the students here and getting the additional attention from them. Thank you from all the residents at St. Francis!" --Chris Fitch, St. Francis in the Park Health and Rehabilitation Center Activity Director

"The leadership on the part of UW-Superior was outstanding. The program was run very well." --Rick Flaherty, Superior Middle School Principal

Making an impact

With 16 courses this fall, the Center for Academic Service-Learning is serving as many students this semester as it did throughout the entire 2009-2010 academic year. 

Jenice Meyer, Center for Academic Service-Learning director, says that 447 students participated in service-learning last school year. That number could very well double during the 2010-2011 academic year as approximately 450 students are currently participating in service-learning courses this fall semester.

Reminiscing on the past, Looking toward the future

Ten academic departments have adopted service-learning this fall. UW-Superior business students will continue their work with Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity (H4H). During the 2009-2010 academic year, students created a business plan for H4H, built a ramp for a Superior resident and planned 12 building projects for this past summer. 

The Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), United Way of Superior, the YMCA and UW-Superior University Relations have all sought the insight of UW-Superior students this fall, and instructors Dr. Bruce Kibler and Ethan Christensen plan for students to formulate business plans for each.

Something new

UW-Superior art and writing students are teaming up this semester to create an exhibit for the Douglas County Historical Society, Students enrolled in Kathy Hubbard's Introduction to Art course will create paintings of old Superior buildings and students in Elizabeth Grbavcich's College Writing II class will unearth the history behind the buildings to supplement the exhibit. 

Learn more by contacting us

The staff at the Center for Academic Service-Learning (CAS-L) is willing to answer your questions and share information. The CAS-L office is located on the third floor of Old Main in room 312. Office hours are noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students can call the center at (715)-394-8518 or email at casl@uwsuper.edu.