Undergraduate

Community Service-Learning

The Community Service-Learning (CSL) fuses community service and academic inquiry, simultaneously creating memorable educational experiences for the student and valuable service to the greater Worcester community.

Program Tracks Available

Minor

Admission Deadline

Early Decision: November 15

Early Action: November 15

Early Action II: December 15

Regular Decision: March 15 (Preferred status deadline)

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School

D'Amour College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department

Interdisciplinary Studies, English

Program Overview
CSL courses are offered in a variety of disciplines and integrate course materials with experiential learning in a community setting as students seek to gain a greater understanding of societal issues. Assumption students can choose to minor in CSL or simply take individual courses to gain a better understanding of the world around them.

Through CSL classes, students experience a unique opportunity to participate in and learn about the complexity of the social, economic, political, and cultural world and to think in original ways about the substantive problems in society. They build important skills through observation, exploration, critical analysis and action-oriented research in a multicultural setting. They work with others as a team to achieve a common goal and find the fulfillment of contributing their talents and skills to impact the lives of others.

CSL is a reflection of Assumption’s commitment to service and social justice.

Service Opportunities

In recent years, CSL students have logged more than 100,000 hours of service per year. They work in a variety of settings throughout Worcester helping (among others)
- Children and Youth Services
- Arts Organizations
- Elderly
- Homeless and Housing Outreach
- Underprivileged Families
- Environmental Organizations
Assumption's CSL program also works closely with the Habitat for Humanity program

Program Contact

Eloise R. Knowlton, Ph.D

Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

508-767-7487 eknowlton@assumption.edu La Maison Francise Salon - Room 202

An Ideal Place To Learn

100%

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

11:1

Student/Faculty ratio

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Program Curriculum

The Community Service-Learning (CSL) minor requires a minimum of six (6) interdisciplinary courses. The minor requires 125 hours of combined service; hours through CSL courses, the Reach Out Center, and SEND trips all count toward that total. In many circumstances, this is accomplished in conjunction with Assumption's Reach Out Center, which coordinates students volunteer activities around Worcester.

Electives

Five (5) courses, approved by the CSL Director, taken from at least 3 disciplines using the following guidelines:

At least three (3) courses with CSL designation. (This may include one internship or practicum, depending on the nature of the placement site.)

At least one course focusing on social issues. Examples include Literature of Social Responsibility, Economics, and the Family, African-American Literature, Colonial Latin American History, Urban Politics, Sociology of Urban Life.

This may include one (1) internship or practicum.

The student may also include one theology or philosophy course

Capstone Course

Seminar in Service Learning

This interdisciplinary course combines readings, critical thinking and analysis, and community service as students are encouraged to explore the connections between ideas and experience. Students engaged in 45 hours of community service throughout the semester and pursue a research project of their choice. The culmination of the seminar is a research paper and a formal presentation.

Volunteer Service

Students must complete 125 hours of combined service; hours through CSL courses, the Reach Out Center, and SEND trips all count toward that total. The Assumption College Reach Out Center coordinates volunteer opportunities throughout the Worcester area.

Course Descriptions
- Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
- Minor in Community Service-Learning Course Descriptions

Faculty

Carol Harvey, MBA Professor Emerita

Susan Perschbacher, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Sociology

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Kathleen Hurley

Management 2017
Attending Law School, Hofstra Law

Through community service opportunities and classes, I learned I was passionate about social justice

This experience influenced me to pursue legal work for my career. I hope to become a criminal or human rights lawyer following law school.

Natalia Kaczor

Community Service-Learning 2020
Research & Development / Quality Control Intern, Randolph Products

Community Service Learning provided me with both intellectual growth and community involvement

Through my CSL course worked with Ascentria, I created a presentation to aide teen immigrants with the impact of culture shock in Worcester. Hearing their personal accounts made me appreciate the diversity of our community and realize the importance of public outreach.

Skyler Hesch

Community Service-Learning 2020
Double major in English Literature and English Writing and Mass Communications and double minor in Education and Community Service Learning

My CSL experiences inspired me to be the difference, find my passion, and live a life that matters

From soup kitchens to after school programs to nursing homes to food pantries to thrift shops, minoring in CSL opened my eyes to the needs of others in my community as well as my own ability to make a difference and have a positive impact on those around me every day.

Shining Their Light

Kathleen Hurley

Management 2017
Attending Law School, Hofstra Law

Through community service opportunities and classes, I learned I was passionate about social justice

This experience influenced me to pursue legal work for my career. I hope to become a criminal or human rights lawyer following law school.

Natalia Kaczor

Community Service-Learning 2020
Research & Development / Quality Control Intern, Randolph Products

Community Service Learning provided me with both intellectual growth and community involvement

Through my CSL course worked with Ascentria, I created a presentation to aide teen immigrants with the impact of culture shock in Worcester. Hearing their personal accounts made me appreciate the diversity of our community and realize the importance of public outreach.

Skyler Hesch

Community Service-Learning 2020
Double major in English Literature and English Writing and Mass Communications and double minor in Education and Community Service Learning

My CSL experiences inspired me to be the difference, find my passion, and live a life that matters

From soup kitchens to after school programs to nursing homes to food pantries to thrift shops, minoring in CSL opened my eyes to the needs of others in my community as well as my own ability to make a difference and have a positive impact on those around me every day.

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First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.

Our Mission

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

Learn about financial aid

Events

Sep 30 Sat

Tour, Tailgate, Touchdowns

Join us for a morning tour of our beautiful 185-acre campus that begins at the Admissions House and ends at the Brian Kelly '83 Stadium where you can enjoy some pre-game food and drinks at a special tailgate before our Greyhounds take on the Pace University Setters at a noon football game. The stude ... Read more about Tour, Tailgate, Touchdowns

Sep. 30, 2023

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

Oct 21 Sat

Admissions Fall Open House

Enjoy a fall day exploring the beautiful 185 acre campus of Assumption University at our Fall Open House! Please join our faculty, staff, and students to learn more about our admissions process, academic programs, student life, athletics and so much more. Prospective students and parents will have ... Read more about Admissions Fall Open House

Oct. 21, 2023

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

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Career Paths

Careers and Graduate Schools

Service Opportunities

CSL students work in a specific setting that allows them to apply their knowledge to benefit the community. The setting is determined by the faculty member to support the academic experience. The sites listed below are a sample of those associated with CSL classes. The Assumption Reach Out Center also has an extensive array of community service sites where students can volunteer based on their interest and schedule.

African Community Education
New Citizens Center
Worcester Public Schools
Salvation Army
Heifer Project’s Overlook Farm
Dismas House
Training Resources of America
Notre Dame Du Lac
Friends of Newton Hill
Habitat for Humanity
Seven Hills Foundation
Autumn Woods

Professor Michael Land, Ph.D., Named New England Journalism Educator of the Year

The New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENOA) has named Associate Professor of English and Director of Assumption’s Community Service Learning Program Michael Land, Ph.D., New England Journalism Educator of the Year. The prestigious award recognizes a professor at a university or college in New England who performs outstanding work in preparing aspiring journalists and writers.

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Visit Assumption

Community Service-Learning

The Community Service-Learning (CSL) fuses community service and academic inquiry, simultaneously creating memorable educational experiences for the student and valuable service to the greater Worcester community.

An Ideal Place To Learn

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

Faculty

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

Study Abroad

Internships

Assumption's Rome Campus

Through community service opportunities and classes, I learned I was passionate about social justice

This experience influenced me to pursue legal work for my career. I hope to become a criminal or human rights lawyer following law school.

Community Service Learning provided me with both intellectual growth and community involvement

Through my CSL course worked with Ascentria, I created a presentation to aide teen immigrants with the impact of culture shock in Worcester. Hearing their personal accounts made me appreciate the diversity of our community and realize the importance of public outreach.

My CSL experiences inspired me to be the difference, find my passion, and live a life that matters

From soup kitchens to after school programs to nursing homes to food pantries to thrift shops, minoring in CSL opened my eyes to the needs of others in my community as well as my own ability to make a difference and have a positive impact on those around me every day.

Shining Their Light

Through community service opportunities and classes, I learned I was passionate about social justice

This experience influenced me to pursue legal work for my career. I hope to become a criminal or human rights lawyer following law school.

Community Service Learning provided me with both intellectual growth and community involvement

Through my CSL course worked with Ascentria, I created a presentation to aide teen immigrants with the impact of culture shock in Worcester. Hearing their personal accounts made me appreciate the diversity of our community and realize the importance of public outreach.

My CSL experiences inspired me to be the difference, find my passion, and live a life that matters

From soup kitchens to after school programs to nursing homes to food pantries to thrift shops, minoring in CSL opened my eyes to the needs of others in my community as well as my own ability to make a difference and have a positive impact on those around me every day.

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

Events

Career Paths

Careers and Graduate Schools

Service Opportunities

Professor Michael Land, Ph.D., Named New England Journalism Educator of the Year

Programs Related to Community Service-Learning