They are given written client information prior to the clients' visits to class, and the group makes a preliminary choice of their preferred clients. Actual client choice is done following the clients' presentations in class, by a lottery system. Groups have previously drawn a number, and number one gets first choice as to the client they want to work with. At this first meeting with the client representative, contact information is exchanged, and a schedule to allow each student to be on site at the client's place of business for eight hours established. The hours do not need to be consecutive, and the students can go individually at different times to accommodate their schedules.
Student groups choose one of their members as the contact person.
Groups are urged to have all communications with the client go through this contact person, who maintains a contact log. On their initial visit, clients are given a folder with project information. Clients are reminded about the presentation date and time by letter about three weeks prior to the presentation. After the presentation, both clients and students are asked to complete a service learning assessment form. We are fortunate in having a service learning center on campus, which helps with setting up the clients initially.