Service Learning at UW-Madison

As Conor's post mentions, the UW is offering a certificate in civic engagement. And according to the Morgridge Center for Public Service website, the University has over 50 service learning-related courses. Given UW's leadership in producing life-long volunteers and public servants, my question is a simple one: should service learning be a part of an undergraduate's curriculum?

Morgridge Center for Public Service Advisory Board Meeting

Agenda
Call to Order
Introductions
Welcome New Advisory Board Members
Introduction of New Morgridge Center Staff
Approval of Minutes May 3rd, 2007 Advisory Board Meeting
WUD Committee Reports
Global Connections

• Newest Program to WUD

Alternative Breaks

• 96 Students Applied for Winter Break
• 7 Trips 70 Total Students for Winter Break
• There will be 12 Spring Break trips

Community Services

• Last year: not doing enough programming, not going after general student population
• This year: Increased participation, doing 5 times as many events

Faculty Director Report

Funding Proposal to Morgridge Family

• Asked for Everything they could
• Want 7 more Staff
• Decision for funding proposal will be made Middle of November

Kauffman Grant/Social Entrepreneurship Internship Update

• $100,000 for 5 years
• Program Starts in Summer

Civic Engagement Certificate

• 18 Credit Academic Program started last summer
• Similar to other Certificate Programs
• Open to all Students

S-L/CBR in the Timetable Update

• Big Issue: "What is Service Learning"
• Right now exploring root of problem
• Little uniformity communicating service learning
• The Wisconsin Idea on Campus: quantify it

WUD Advisor Report

• Mini-Grants Program Update
• Feeder Cost Service Project
• Groups do own alternative break trip

Community Service Coordinator Report

Volunteer Transportation Program Update

• Free Taxi Rides through Union Cab for Students who volunteer at least 8 times

Community Outreach Activities

• Morgridge Center 101 November 17th and 18th

Theme Months

• Partnerships with lots of groups, move towards unity

Revised and Updated MC Website

• New Marketing Creation Plan
• "Find yourself through service to others"

Morgridge Center VISTA Report

• Madison Campus Community Collaborative Overview
• MCCC Partnership Updates:
• Urban League
• YWCA
• Centro Hispano

Associate Director Report

• Space Issues: Not enough room, using temporary offices in Memorial Union. Morgridge Family wants it to stay solely in Red Gym
• Many scholarships available.

There is more information if anyone would like it. These are the main items.

Thanks,

Conor