Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?   

• Building and promoting service-learning (service activity that is part of an academic course and evaluated as an academic activity)
• Building and promoting an education for civic engagement and citizenship
• Advocating what Martin Luther called “Christian Vocation” – that we are all called to serve and this service is rooted in our deepest values

How is it done?

• In classes that have a service activity   
• In campus groups that engage in a service activity
• In an independent service activity (that is not part of a course or team/organization service work)
• Through participation in Ethics courses

Why does Newberry College want you involved in service-learning?

• Education for service and citizenship is part of our mission
• Newberry is a Lutheran institution that takes Martin Luther’s “Christian Vocation” seriously

• Learning by doing is effective

• There is great need for community service in the Newberry area

What are examples of service activities in the Newberry area?

• Working an hour a week at the Shop Around the Corner thrift store
• Mentoring a 4th grader at Newberry Elementary School or Boundary St. School
• Tutoring in the after-school program at Grant Homes Public Housing
• Working with a political party to promote the importance of participating in elections and understanding political issues
• Creating web-sites or promotional materials for a non-profit agency
• Creating and presenting a forum, workshop, or other activity focusing on a current social or political issue (e.g., stem cell research, the Iraq war, nuclear power, wire-tapping ) as a public service, on or off campus
• Taking children from Grant Homes on nature hikes in Lynches Woods

What are Values Based Learning Credits?

• See Newberry Catalog for more details on VBL credits

• Students can earn VBL credits by
  1. Taking courses that have a service activity
  2. Participating in a service activity undertaken by a campus organization
  3. Completing an independent service activity
  4. Completing ethics courses beyond the core requirement

For more information, see:  Dr. Joe McDonald, Director  (joseph.mcdonald@newberry.edu )

204 Keller Hall            (803) 321-5215