The Office of Service Learning works with faculty to incorporate the pedagogy of service learning into course curricula throughout the college at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

What is Service Learning?
Service Learning is a teaching method that combines community service with academic instruction to achieve specific learning objectives.

What types of courses offer Service Learning at Simmons?
Service Learning takes place in a wide range of disciplines including management, economics, physical therapy, sociology, education, communications, and the multicultural core course for first-year students. The majority of service learning students are undergraduate students, however, there are currently two graduate programs that have incorporated service learning. By the spring of 2003, approximately 400 students will have completed a service learning project in the academic year of 2002-2003. Service learning enhances students’ educational experience through reflective thinking about their service and connection with classroom objectives.

Prof. David Gullette body surfing in Nicaragua

In 2005, for a two-week January “Wintersession”, Simmons students will be able both study Nicaragua and participate in community service in the beautiful Pacific Coast port of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.  Directed by Prof. David Gullette of the Simmons English Department, these courses will carry 2 (Wintersession) semester hours of credit.
Click here to learn more.

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) places a team of students and staff in a community around the country to engage in a week of service. Past projects include trips to York, PA and Salem, New Jersey to help build a home for a low-income family with Habitat for Humanity.

For more information visit:
The Alternative Spring Break Web Site

In addition to service learning, the Office of Service learning sponsors several events and programs at Simmons.

The Service Learning Fair
Faculty/Staff One-Day Service Events
Global Day of Community Service
Promising Pals Program
Service Learning Faculty Brown Bag Lunch Discussions

For more information about any of these events or programs please contact the Scott/Ross Center at
617-521-2236

For Students
Student Guide to Service Learning

For Faculty
Integrating Service Learning into a Course
Integrating Service Learning into an MCC course

For Community Organizations
Guide to Scott/Ross Center