Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Table of Contents

General FAQs

What is Community Engaged Learning at Mizzou?

Community Engaged Learning (CEL) connects students with local nonprofit organizations and service agencies, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges through service-learning courses.

How does service learning differ from volunteering or internships?

Service learning is academic-based and integrates course objectives with community service. It involves structured reflection and benefits both students and community partners. Unlike traditional internships, service learning emphasizes mutual benefit—students learn while making a tangible impact.

What types of service-learning courses are offered?

Mizzou offers service-learning courses across multiple disciplines, including business, psychology, nursing, nonprofit management, hospitality, and more. Course requirements range from 15 to 90 service hours per semester.

How do students benefit from service learning?

Students gain real-world experience, develop career-ready skills (such as communication, leadership, and teamwork), and contribute to meaningful community impact. Many courses align with National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) competencies to enhance career readiness.

What organizations does CEL partner with?

CEL collaborates with nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and community-based organizations throughout Missouri. Partnerships are selected based on their ability to provide engaging and impactful learning experiences.

Student-Specific FAQs

How do I enroll in a service-learning course?

You can enroll in a service learning course through MyZou. To learn about course offerings by semester, please learn how to search for the course attribute in MyZou or My Schedule Planner.

How many service hours are required?

Service hour requirements depend on the course but typically range from 20 to 90 hours per semester for direct service learning courses. Internships generally require a minimum of 120 hours. Project based service learning courses can vary, as most of the work is done away from the site.

Can I choose my own service site?

This is specific by course. If you are serving in a direct service-based course, you will likely get to choose your own site, but the site must be a registered partner on GivePulse and align with your course’s learning objectives. There are some courses where there is only one site partner.

What if I have transportation challenges?

CEL works hard to ensure accessibility to service sites in direct service courses. Some service sites are on campus, downtown or accessible by public transportation, while others may require students to arrange their own travel or carpool. Always check site location requirements before selecting a placement and let the CEL staff know before you select.

Will I get a grade for my service learning work?

Yes, your service work is integrated into your course assessment. Some courses require journals, reflections, or final presentations to demonstrate learning outcomes.

11. What happens if I have issues with my service site?

If you experience conflicts, challenges, or unexpected issues, contact CEL staff at cel@missouri.edu for support. Our team is ready to help students throughout their entire service opportunity.

Can I complete service learning remotely?

Some courses and service sites offer remote or project-based service options, depending on the nature of the work and course requirements. Ask a member of our team for more info.

Community Partner FAQs

How can my organization become a community partner?

Organizations interested in hosting service learning students can email cel@missouri.edu and set up a meeting to get started. Please visit our Partners page to learn more. Our team will review your needs and discuss potential student placements.

What are the expectations for community partners?

Partners are expected to:

  • Provide structured, meaningful tasks for students.
  • Offer comprehensive orientation and supervision.
  • Have the correct insurance and safety procedures in place.
  • Communicate with students and CEL staff as needed.
  • Evaluate students at midterm and end-of-semester.

Can organizations request students for specific projects?

Yes! Many partners work with students on short-term projects, ongoing service roles, or research collaborations. Organizations can outline specific needs when they meet with a member of our team.

What if a student is not meeting expectations?

If a student is not engaging or fulfilling their responsibilities, notify CEL staff. We will work to resolve the issue or reassign the student if necessary. Please do not hesitate to let us know, as this is a mutually beneficial experience.

Are there any costs or background check requirements for partners?

Some partners require background checks, fingerprinting, or training for students. These requirements should be clearly outlined in the service description.

How does CEL support partners?

Our office exists as the liaison between community partners and the campus community, primarily with faculty and coursework. Instead of reporting to several instructors or finding relevant courses, we do the work for you. We provide training, templates, and best practices to help partners structure meaningful learning experiences. Partners also have access to our Engaged Learning Library for additional resources. As well, we maintain your GivePulse page and manage the entire registration process on the behalf of instructors and partners.

Faculty & Staff FAQs

19. How can I integrate service learning into my course?

Faculty can design a new course or modify an existing course to include a service-learning component. Our team assists with course development, student placement, and logistical support. Visit our Faculty page to learn more.

What are my responsibilities as a faculty member?

Faculty should:

  • Align service experiences with course objectives.
  • Support students in reflecting on their service experiences.
  • Communicate with CEL and community partners as needed.
  • Create a mutually beneficial partnership, in which the partner’s and student’s outcomes are included in the course objectives.

How are students placed with community partners?

Our office has an extensive network and knowledge of local community organizations. In direct service courses, students use GivePulse to browse service sites. Our office facilitates the management of GivePulse. Faculty may pre-select partner organizations for their courses or allow students to choose based on their interests.

Do faculty have to manage student placements?

The instructor decides how they wish to have the students placed. This depends on the course type and number of partners. The CEL office handles logistics, including student placement, partner communication, and evaluation coordination for most, but not all, direct service courses.

How do I assess student learning in service learning courses?

Assessment methods include:

  • Reflection journals or discussion posts.
  • Presentations on their service experience.
  • Midterm and final evaluations from community partners, based on NACE competencies.
  • Connection to course learning objectives.

24. Where can I find resources to support my course?

CEL offers a Service Learning Workbook, training workshops, and access to the Engaged Learning Library.

Logistics & Policies FAQs

What platform does CEL use for managing service placements?

CEL uses GivePulse, an online tool where students can browse service sites, register, track hours, and submit evaluations.

What is the deadline to register for a service learning placement?

This depends on the course, but generally, students must select and confirm placements before the Placement Deadline (typically four weeks after classes begin). For internship courses, students generally need to determine placements before the semester begins.

What if I need to drop my service-learning course?

Dropping a service-learning course follows Mizzou’s standard drop/add policies. Inform your faculty and service site supervisor if you need to withdraw.

Do service hours count for university awards or scholarships?

Yes! Some scholarships, leadership programs, and honors recognitions accept service-learning hours. Check with your academic advisor for eligibility.

How does CEL evaluate program success?

CEL collects student feedback, faculty reflections, and partner evaluations each semester to improve the program and measure community impact.

Who should I contact with additional questions?

For general inquiries, contact cel@missouri.edu or visit cel.missouri.edu. Or attend virtual office hours