Office of Service-Learning wins Unit Recognition

Aisha McGriff, faculty development coordinator in BGSU’s Office of Service-Learning, holds the Unit Award.BOWLING GREEN, O.—The passion and dedication of the Office of Service-Learning (OSL) was recognized March 22 during Bowling Green State University's annual Faculty Recognition Dinner. The office was awarded the BGSU Faculty Senate Unit Recognition Award.

OSL was honored for its work in establishing key service-learning partnerships on and off-campus and for creating and maintaining a large number of programs and activities that directly support faculty and students, and have enhanced the learning environment at BGSU.

"Through service-learning, BGSU candidates are learning about and engaging in social responsibility and taking up their civic duty in the community," said Dr. Mary Murray, an associate professor in the School of Intervention Services, in her nomination letter. "It is hoped that candidates' service-learning experiences at the university are only the beginning of a commitment to social responsibility starting with their experiences at BGSU and expanding to a dedication in every aspect of their lives."

The office also puts an emphasis on community-based teaching for faculty members. It runs a monthly service-learning faculty focus series in which experienced service-learning faculty share their insight about course design, partnership development and links between teaching and research. Its Community Partnership Forums bring organizations to campus to talk about the needs they have that might match with campus resources.

Their notable programs include the Civic Action Leaders, a student leadership/scholarship program, M3C Citizens Scholars Program, which supports first-year, first-generation, underserved students, and United Way AmeriCorps, a successful civic outreach program.

The Office of Service-Learning was created in September 2006 and Dr. Jane Rosser was appointed as the first director. The office began its first program year in fall 2007.

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(Posted March 23, 2010 )