The only justification for any activity in an institution is its effective contribution to the fulfillment of that institution's mission. The historic mission of higher education in this country beginning with the establishment of Harvard to the founding of our own college has been to help individuals responsibly and intelligently achieve satisfaction in their lives and to promote effective citizenship. Our own mission and accompanying goals are consistent with this historic mission. Service-learning leads to the fulfillment of these goals by effectively and efficiently taking advantage of the reciprocity that exists in the learning partnership between the community and the college. Benefits to Student Service-learning enriches student learning of course material by moving them from the margin of the classroom experience to the center.
Students come to see the relevance and importance of academic work in their real life experience.
It broadens perspectives and enhances critical thinking skills. It improves interpersonal and human relations skills which are increasingly viewed as the most important skills in achieving success in professional and personal spheres. It provides guidance and experience for future career choice. Benefits to the Community Service-learning initiatives provide the community with substantial human resources to meet its educational, human, safety, and environmental needs. The talent, energy, and enthusiasm of our college students are applied to meet these ever increasing needs.