Community Engaged Learning

Apply what you're learning to help your community.

Apply what you learn in class to meaningful community opportunities. Collaborate, reflect, and strengthen your skills while supporting your growth.
 

How Community Engaged Learning Works

STEP 1: Identify Your Project

  • Faculty collaborates with the Director of Civic Engagement to identify potential community partners—such as local non-profits, schools, or government agencies—and discuss project requirements and concepts.
  • Projects may be individual, large group, or several small group experiences.
     
 

STEP 2: Plan Your Project

  • Your project can take one of three forms: Direct Service, Research, or Advocacy and Awareness:
    • Direct Service: Generally, requires 5–10 hours of service and involves working directly with community partners and residents to meet immediate needs.
    • Research: Involves gathering information with and for community organizations to address a pressing problem or create change.
    • Advocacy and Awareness: Involves raising awareness about issues of public concern and working through political or non-political processes to create change (e.g., attending a naturalization ceremony or community meeting, tabling, letter writing, social media campaigns, creating public service announcements).
    • Once a plan is created, agency application processes may take at least 2 weeks. You must complete this process and begin your hours by the 5th week of the semester, so plan accordingly.
    • Review and complete all Community Engaged Learning forms on Brightspace and submit them to the Director of Civic Engagement before starting your service hours.
       

STEP 3: Reflect

  • After completing your service hours, provide a reflection on your experience to the faculty member who assigned the project. They will share it with the Director of Civic Engagement.
  • If the project is passed, Community Engaged Learning (SL) will be noted on your transcript.

All students are expected to follow the Onondaga Community College Code of Conduct and Prohibited Behavior policies during all on-campus and off-campus activities. Please review these policies in advance to ensure a safe, respectful, and professional experience. View the policy here: Onondaga Community College Code of Conduct & Prohibited Behaviors

  • Always conduct yourself in a professional manner.
  • Familiarize yourself with the policies, procedures, and etiquette specific to your service site.
  • Treat supervisors, co-workers, and clients with courtesy, respect, and kindness.
  • When in doubt, ask for help. Seek guidance if you are unsure about your responsibilities or what to do.
  • Respect the privacy and confidentiality of all clients (recipients of service).
  • Do not give or accept money from clients or staff.
  • Keep personal belongings secure; leave valuables at home whenever possible.
  • Never report to your site under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Avoid any behavior that could be perceived as sexual or inappropriate with clients or organizational representatives.
  • Maintain confidentiality: when discussing service experiences in journals or class, use initials only and do not share sensitive information with anyone not directly involved in the course or site.
  • If your service plans change (e.g., you will be late or unable to attend), notify the agency promptly.

Notify your professor or agency supervisor if you have any questions, concerns, or issues during your service.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY:

If you are in the community, summon help and call 911. You can also call Campus Safety at 315-498-2311.

If you have any doubts about safety, or need to report any suspicions of abuse, neglect, or criminal activity, immediately consult with your site supervisor, professor, Service Learning Coordinator, or the Civic Engagement Coordinators.

Safety Guidelines for Community Engaged Learning

Use these steps to help ensure your safety while completing your service:

  • Know who your site supervisor is and who to contact if a concern or emergency arises.
  • Do not take responsibility for opening or closing the site for the day.
  • Bring identification and a small amount of cash if needed, but leave credit cards, large amounts of money, and valuables at home.
  • Report any injury that occurs during service activities to the agency immediately.
  • Use respectful, professional language and avoid any communication that could be perceived as inappropriate or harassing.
  • Do not offer your home as shelter for clients.
  • Do not transport clients in your personal vehicle.
  • Share your service site location and schedule with a trusted friend or family member.
  • Avoid handling or being responsible for agency funds.
  • Only share personal contact information with your supervisor. Do not share it with clients, volunteers, or other staff.
  • Dress appropriately for the site and avoid wearing expensive or excessive jewelry.
  • Avoid one-on-one situations that isolate you from supervised areas.
  • Limit your service activities to approved site locations.
  • Familiarize yourself with the site’s neighborhood and surroundings.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and carry yourself confidently.
  • Do not plan activities with clients outside of the approved service setting.
  • If you drive yourself, ensure you have directions and that your vehicle is in safe working condition.

What is the difference between volunteering and Community Engaged Learning?

Volunteering

Providing service to benefit others or the community without receiving external rewards. Volunteering may or may not include structured training or reflection.

 

Community Engaged Learning (CEL)

A form of experiential education where students apply what they are learning in class to real community needs. Learning happens through action and structured reflection, helping students support community goals while also deepening their understanding of course objectives and skills.
 

What should I wear while completing my service hours?

Students are expected to dress in neat, professional attire and maintain a clean appearance. When serving in the community, you represent Onondaga Community College.

Do not wear:

  • Hats or bandanas
  • Spaghetti strap tops or clothing that exposes the midriff
  • Clothing with offensive language or images
  • Excessively baggy jeans or sweatpants
  • Skirts or dresses above knee length

Dress requirements may vary by site, so always follow your agency’s guidelines.
 

What if I do not have transportation?

OCC does not provide direct transportation. However:

  • Many agency sites are accessible via the South Ave Centro bus route from campus.
  • The OCC Lyft Pass Program may help offset transportation costs. Rides must start or end at the OCC main campus. https://www.sunyocc.edu/occ-lyft-pass-program
     

If I already volunteer through a student group, can that count?

Possibly. Eligibility depends on the length of commitment, type of service, and whether the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your professor will determine whether the experience meets course requirements.
 

Can I serve at a site not on the approved agency list?

Possibly. The site:

  • Cannot be for profit
  • Must provide unpaid service (not observation)
  • Must align with course learning outcomes
    Approval is required from both your professor and the Director of Civic Engagement.
     

What should I do if I feel unsafe or uncomfortable at my site?

Contact the Director of Civic Engagement immediately to discuss alternative placement options.
 

When should I begin my service hours?

Start as early as possible. Schedules often become more demanding later in the semester.

How many hours are required?

Your instructor determines the required number of hours. To receive the SL designation on your transcript, students must complete at least 10 to 15 hours during the semester.

How do I schedule my community engaged learning with the Agency?

It is your responsibility to contact your assigned agency with information provided to you and arrange a meeting with the volunteer coordinator and/or site supervisor.

What if I am enrolled in more than one CEL course?

You may earn the SL designation in multiple courses, but service hours must be separate for each. You may complete all hours at one site if approved, which would mean you would need to complete 20-30 hours total for that semester. Please notify your instructor and the Civic Engagement office if you are currently enrolled in more than one community-engaged learning course.

Will I need training or a background check?

You may earn the SL designation in multiple courses, but service hours must be separate for each. You may complete all hours at one site if approved, which would mean you would need to complete 20-30 hours total for that semester. Please notify your instructor and the Civic Engagement office if you are currently enrolled in more than one community-engaged learning course.

Can I add a Community Engaged Learning experience to a course that does not offer one?

Yes. You may add a CEL experience by completing a Community Engaged Learning contract with your instructor. Speak with your instructor at the start of the semester and contact the Director of Civic Engagement to begin the process.


Helpful Articles

Tips for Contacting an agency to set up a Community Engaged Learning Experience

Tips for Being Effective at Your Site