Student Orientation

Orientation is the community partner’s first chance to welcome new Service-Learning students and introduce them to the organization. Giving students a good overview of the organization during this time will help them to understand how their service fits into the big picture. Don’t assume that they won’t be interested in hearing the details of your organization- it is both a learning experience and an honor to be trusted with this information. Students will be eager to find out what to expect from this new experience as well as understand how your organization fits into the bigger picture.

Topics to include in your orientation:

• Organization mission and history
• Population(s) served
• Primary programs and projects of the organization
• Organizational structure
• Safety policies and procedures
• Policies, organizational norms and dress code
• A site tour
• Introduction to staff, volunteers, and clients
• Service-Learning student scheduling
• How to work with clients: Are there rules or suggestions they should know? Any advice on how to deal with clientele in difficult situations?
• What you hope students will learn while working with your organization?
• What you expect from students collectively and individually?
• Connection to related course(s) and asks for syllabi and learning objectives.

We recommend that you take time early on to talk individually with your new service learners to discuss their respective course and personal learning objectives. Ask why they chose your organization and what they hope to gain from their service with your organization. IN addition to teaching them about your organization, try to find the time to learn about your Service-Learning students, their classes, activities, and background.