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CONSIDERATIONS FOR COMMUNITY-ENGAGED LEARNING,
SERVICE-LEARNING,
AND VOLUNTEERISM
REGARDING
NOVEL
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
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Chancellor Girod and Provost Bichelmeyer announced that KU will remain open, but all classes and many services will be delivered online for the remainder of the spring semester b
eginning on March 23rd. The Center for Service Learning will also remain open and offer virtual supports to students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Information issued by KU about campus coronavirus preparedness, updates, and links to important resources are now available on
coronavirus.ku.edu.
Students, faculty, staff and community partners should engage in remote or virtual activities to minimize the risk and spread of COVID-19. Although the modality of community-engagement and service activities may be adapted, there are still many opportunities to partner in providing indirect services and supports with partners and in our communities.
The Center for Service Learning (CSL) is gathering and offering guidance for how to continue to support community-engaged learning, service-learning, or volunteer experiences as we continue to serve our partners and communities.
During this period, the strength of our communities remains in our compassion to continue to serve others, particularly those who may be most vulnerable. Although our modalities and approaches may adapt in the current context, the opportunity to rally around each other and our communities, even in a virtual environment, is paramount. Although we recognize that it is necessary to practice social distancing, we can buffer against social isolation based on how we continue to engage, respond, and support each other through different and unique approaches offered virtually through indirect services.
The Center for Service Learning will be reaching out to faculty, staff, students and community partners to offer supports, including brokering indirect service opportunities that are beneficial to the community. We encourage those who are instructing service-learning courses to also communicate with their community partners directly, to determine the best way for projects to continue moving forward virtually. Student organizations who participate in service should also proactively communicate with their community partners and consider creative responses to provide remote service and support.
The Center for Service Learning has developed an
online hub
to disseminate and share information related to advancing community engagement in the period we are all responding to COVID-19. Please continuously review updated information on this site including FAQs, resources, and a portal to submit questions that we can assist in gathering responses.
Depending on the course content and service-learning components, students may still be able to participate in activities that meet community priorities and course requirements, including:
- conducting background research or gathering best practices or other information requested by the partner(s)
- taping, recording, or streaming performances or workshops to benefit community partner(s)
- creating digital and other social media content, print program materials, or other methods for information-sharing
- undertaking assessment, evaluation, or feedback via phone or web-based services
- offering (or compiling, researching, or brainstorming) strategies that provide indirect support from volunteers as a result of coronavirus
- conducting virtual or phone-based educational supports for youth and adults
If work with an existing partner is not possible, you may be able to find suitable opportunities through these channels:
We look forward to continuing to provide supports to our campus and community partners as we navigate and respond to the ever-changing needs of our communities and those we serve.
Thank you in advance for your continued patience as we all work together to figure out how to adapt to quickly changing situations. What remains of upmost importance is to ensure the individual and collective health of our communities.
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the
compassionate actions of its members." - Coretta Scott King
Onward,
The Center for Service Learning Team
Jomella Watson-Thompson, Director
Emily Eddins Rountree, Associate Director
Kate Kemper, Assistant Director
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"CSL Connect" Zoom Session: March 19, 2-3pm
Online Tips and Tools for Supporting Service-Learning Virtually
Learn and share about some tools, resources, and ideas to ensure we continue to advance service-learning and community engagement amidst COVID-19. The session will provide considerations for supporting service-learning and community engagement in a virtual environment. If possible, please join the web-conference by video. If video conferencing is not an option, then you can also join using the teleconference information.
Meeting ID: 776 108 0911
One tap mobile
:
+16699006833,,7761080911# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location:
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 776 108 0911
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As a result of KU's response to COVID-19, here is an update on Center for Service Learning services.
- All appointments and meetings can be conducted via telephone/Skype Business or Zoom. Email csl@ku.edu or call 785-864-0960 to schedule an appointment.
- If you have quick questions, check out our website. We are posting just-in-time information and resources that may assist in supporting service-learning and community-engagement more remotely at csl.ku.edu/community-engagement.
- Please stay tuned as CSL-sponsored events scheduled for the next couple of months are adapted for the virtual environment.
- We want to help you! The CSL offers individual consultation for faculty, staff, students, or community partners to consider how to support service-learning and community-engagement activities and partnerships virtually.
- Faculty are invited to join our virtual Zoom meetings to discuss and share strategies, tips and tools for supporting service-learning and community-engaged courses virtually.
- Keep watching our social media accounts for tips and tools related to continuing to advance community engagement and service-learning during this period of swift changes and quick adaptations.
- University officials will continue to provide updates on how the university is monitoring the global spread of the novel coronavirus, and the steps we are taking to keep our community healthy. Updated information can be found 24/7 at coronavirus.ku.edu.
- Most importantly, continue to take care of yourself and others, as we continue to demonstrate the strength of our communities!
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Follow Us on Social Media
The CSL uses our various platforms to promote service events, award/funding deadlines, and showcases the impact that service and community engagement has on our
students and alumni. During this time, we will also be using our social media accounts
to promote and share relevant updates and resources that may be helpful in transitioning to virtual coursework and engagement.
Feel free to tag us and use the hashtag "KUServes" so we can share all of the incredible things you and your students do for the community!
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