The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Community Connection Center will hold a Service-Learning Academy for UA Little Rock faculty members and instructors interested in integrating service learning into their courses. 

Service learning is a teaching strategy that combines community service with classroom instruction. Service learning teaches students civic responsibility and provides a practical application of the skills learned in the classroom.

The workshop will run from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday June 5-8, in the UA Little Rock University District Building. Full-time faculty members and instructors will have the chance to earn a $1,000 stipend for successful completion of the workshop and a service-learning course.

Led by Dr. Kristen McIntyre, director of the Communication Skill Center, the academy will cover all aspects of adapting a class into a service-learning course, including learning outcomes and assessment, relationships with community partners, reflection activities, and liability and access issues.

Dr. Laura Barrio-Vilar, assistant professor of English and graduate of the academy, said the academy is a must for those interested in service learning.

“Not only will you learn the theoretical and practical approaches to service learning, but you will enjoy being part of a community of individuals with a passion for teaching and learning,” Barrio-Vilar said. “The most enriching aspects of the academy are interacting with members of other disciplines, and learning best practices from the experts.”

Full-time faculty and instructors who participate in all academy sessions and complete a course syllabus and teaching plan will receive a $500 stipend. They will be given an additional $500 stipend after teaching a service-learning course and providing feedback.

Applications are due Monday, March 27. Fill out the online form to apply for the Service-Learning Academy.

For more information, contact Betsy Hart at edhart@ualr.edu or 501.569.3424.

In the upper right photo is Dr. Kristen McIntyre. Photo by Lonnie Timmons III/UA Little Rock Communications.