Service-Learning Faculty Assessment: Report of Results, 2018

In Spring 2018, the VCU Service-Learning Office sponsored an evaluation process that gathered feedback from faculty members who teach service-learning classes. The goal was to deepen understanding of the barriers faced by VCU’s service-learning faculty instructors and to solicit feedback about key strategies for overcoming these barriers. An independent research consultant conducted the evaluation in two phases: an online anonymous survey and a 30-minute phone interview. Eighty service-learning instructors completed the online survey, and a stratified sample of 18 instructors completed the telephone interviews. Findings indicated that both the online survey respondents and phone interview participants experienced similar supports and barriers to teaching their service-learning classes. Key findings and recommendations are outlined in the full report

Service-Learning Community Partner Impact Assessment Report

In the summer of 2017, VCU’s Office of Service-Learning conducted an evaluation of the impact of service-learning on community partner organizations. This assessment aimed to collect actionable feedback from partners and to inform improvements to service-learning courses at VCU that successfully address partners’ concerns. An external researcher conducted phone interviews with a representative sample of 22 community partners. Partners were asked how a specific service-learning course impacted their organization in three areas: organizational capacity, economically, and socially. Partners were also asked about faculty interactions and the likelihood of recommending the service-learning course to other organizations like their own. This report presents the findings of this community partner impact assessment, outlines an assessment model for a three-year continuous improvement cycle, and offers key recommendations and next steps that emerged from this assessment

Behavioural effects of hypersaline exposure on the lobster Homarus gammarus (L) and the crab Cancer pagurus (L)

There is scarce existing information in the literature regarding the responses of any marine species, especially commercially valuable decapod crustaceans, to hypersalinity. Hypersaline discharges due to solute mining and desalination are increasing in temperate areas, hence the behavioural responses of the edible brown crab, Cancer pagurus, and the European lobster, Homarus gammarus, were studied in relation to a marine discharge of highly saline brine using a series of preference tests. Both species had a significant behavioural response to highly saline brine, being able to detect and avoid areas of hypersalinity once their particular threshold salinity was reached (salinity 50 for C. pagurus and salinity 45 for H. gammarus). The presence of shelters had no effect on this response and both species avoided hypersaline areas, even when shelters were provided there. If the salinity of commercial effluent into the marine environment exceeds the behavioural thresholds found here, it is likely that adults of these species will relocate to areas of more favourable salinity. In management terms it is advisable to ensure that any hypersaline discharges are limited to the lowest tolerance of all the economically valuable species in the area to avoid loss of revenue in fishery areas

Empathy Activators: Strategies for Developing Empathy in Service-Learning Students

This poster presentation explores the link between service-learning and the development of student empathy. It will share the initial research results of a pilot study on student empathy, service-learning, and key ingredients for cultivating empathy. It also offers instructors concrete ideas for teaching tools that activate student empathy

Older Adults as Volunteers: Perceptions of their Physical and Mental Health

Older Americans no longer see retirement as an “endless vacation,” but increasingly as an active, engaged phase of life that includes volunteer work. Older adults have proven to be a group that participates extensively in volunteer work (Mutchler, Burr & Caro, 2003). Volunteering may benefit the volunteers themselves as well as the organizations and individuals they serve. Several mechanisms have been hypothesized by which volunteering is linked to improved well-being, health, and longevity. For example, volunteering provides increased opportunity for social contacts and facilitates access to social resources such as emotional, cognitive and material, and health related information (Luoh & Herzog, 2002). Objective There is substantial evidence to support the health benefits of volunteering by older adults. However, there was not substantial evidence of older adult volunteer’s perceptions of their physical and mental health as volunteers. Methods A literature review was conducted to substantiate findings by researchers including a growing body of research that indicates volunteering provides individual health benefits in addition to social benefits. Qualitative research was conducted by interviewing ten older adult volunteers. Data were transcribed and emerging themes were incorporated into a code book. Reliability was ascertained by using a second coder and Cohen’s Kappa reliability guidelines. Results The idea of volunteering represented an opportunity for the people interviewed to feel useful, help others, give back to their community, and feel socially engaged and connected. As a result of these activities the volunteers felt volunteering made them more aware of how they felt physical and mentally when they volunteered. Volunteering provided these individuals with a healthy boost to their self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Volunteering gave them more energy, kept them active, and challenged them mentally. Conclusion Older adults recognize a definite relationship between their volunteer activities and positive perceptions of their physical and mental health

Why Service-Learning?

Data from VCU\u27s High Impact Practices (HIPS) Assessment Model: 2015-16 Pilot Mid-Year Report offers three compelling reasons for why service-learning matters for student success

VCU Service-Learning Impact Measure (SLIM) Report, 2020-2021

The VCU Service-Learning Office distributes the Service-Learning Impact Measure (SLIM) at the end of every semester to evaluate the impact of service-learning classes on student learning. Results are used to guide program improvements that enhance the quality of service-learning courses and outcomes for students, faculty, and partners. This report covers the 2020-2021 academic years and highlights assessment focus areas including: career readiness, academic learning, civic learning identity development, diversity and inclusion, and the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Intro to Community-Engaged Research & Service-Learning

Definitions of community engagement, research, and service-learning. Benefits of utilizing service-learning at VCU, such as increased graduation rate, building professional skills, addressing social problems, engaging faculty with community experts, and creating opportunities for faculty led community-engaged research