Symposium on Service-Learning
Best Practices for Engaging Students and Communities
December 5 - 7, 2012 • Marriott Inner Harbor • Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Overview
In the ever-changing landscape of higher education, institutions of higher learning have become increasingly woven within the fabric of the communities in which they reside. In recent years, “universities have evidenced an increasing willingness to become actively engaged with communities, and to use those communities to enhance the learning experiences of students” (Bryant & West, 2006). Thus, we as practitioners and scholars are called upon to immerse college and university students in their communities, with the dual purpose of having a positive impact on the community and the students themselves. Service-learning in particular “enables colleges and universities to meet their goals for student learning and development while making unique contributions to addressing community needs” (CAS Standards, 2009). This focus on reciprocity – mutual benefit to students and the community – and on reflective practice make service-learning an unparalleled opportunity to engage students in powerful community-based learning experiences. Through service-learning, students develop deeper knowledge of human and community needs, immerse themselves in meaningful ways in the community, and engage in critical reflection that provides context for their experience. If well-executed, service-learning experiences can be highly transformative, developing students as active citizens and leaders of social change.
Purpose of Symposium
ACPA’s inaugural Symposium on Service-Learning, co-sponsored by the Commission for Student Involvement, will provide a forum for exchanging innovative ideas and promising practices relevant to service-learning practitioners and scholars. This symposium will be specifically geared toward new to mid-level professionals working with service-learning programs or offices, though interested graduate students, academic faculty, and community partners are welcome to participate. Also, for purposes of this symposium, service-learning will be defined broadly to include both academic and co-curricular service-learning experiences. Because our professional roles and learning styles are varied, the content of this symposium will be delivered in a variety of educational formats and designed to be applicable to a wide spectrum of participants. Educational formats at this symposium will include: topic-based plenary sessions, campus and community spotlights, community and student panels, structured small-group discussions, and individual working time. So whether you are engaged in community service or service-learning work, coordinating one initiative or directing an entire office, working with an established or a developing program, this symposium will be a value-added experience.
Outcomes of Symposium
It is intended that, through actively engaging this Symposium on Service-Learning, participants will:
Develop a Common Language. We will discuss past and present language used to describe service-learning, to develop a working definition of service-learning. Participants will arrive upon an individual/institutional definition of service-learning with which to frame the symposium.
Explore Key Elements. We will explore the fundamentals of service-learning such as reciprocity and reflection, as well as frameworks and models for service-learning programming, as provided by foundational theory on service-learning. Participants will develop their working knowledge of service-learning, to ground their continued conversations with theory to practice.
Exchange Best Practices. We will exchange best practices from our personal/professional experiences engaging in service-learning, whether as practitioners or scholars. Participants will gain insight into exemplary service-learning programs and partnerships through various campus and community spotlights. Participants will also be encouraged to share best practices with one another informally throughout the symposium.
Connect with One Another. We will engage in the symposium as a cohort of service-learning practitioners and scholars, so as to develop a culture of collegiality and collaboration. Participants will gain insights into each other as individuals and representatives of institutions as a catalyst for continued conversations following the symposium.
Keynote Presenters
Robert G. Bringle |
T.W. Cauthen III |
Andrew Furco |
Barbara Jacoby |
Susan Robb Jones |
Peter Mather |
KerryAnn O’Meara |
Kristan Cilente Skendall |
Schedule (subject to change)
For travel purposes, the Symposium begins at 9:00am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 and ends at 1:00pm on Friday, December 7, 2012. We suggest that attendees arrive on Tuesday night and book flights that depart after 3pm on Friday.
Meals included: Continental Breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday, a lunch and dinner on Wednesday, a reception on Thursday and a full breakfast and boxed lunch on Friday. Thursday dinner is "on your own".
| Tuesday, December 4, 2012 | |
| All-Day | Participants Arrive On-Site Hotel Registration |
| Wednesday, December 5, 2012 | |
| 8am – 9am | Symposium Registration & Continental Breakfast (Provided) |
| 9am – 9:15am | Welcome & Overview of Symposium |
| 9:15am – 10:15am | Opening Keynote: Our (Not So) Common Language About Service Learning and Civic Engagement (Barbara Jacoby, University of Maryland) |
| 10:15am – 11:15am | Discussion Groups (Introductions) |
| 11:15am – 11:30am | Break |
| 11:30am – 12:30pm | Plenary Session 1: Foundations and Frameworks (Andy Furco, University of Minnesota) |
| 12:30pm– 1:30pm | Lunch (Provided) |
| 1:30pm – 2:15pm | Campus Spotlight 1: IUPUI |
| 2:15pm – 2:30pm | Break |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm | Plenary Session 2: Pedagogies and Practice (Bob Bringle, Appalachian State University) |
| 3:30pm – 4:15pm | Community Spotlight 1: Campus Compact |
| 4:15pm – 4:30pm | Break |
| 4:30pm – 5:15pm | Discussion Groups (Guided Discussion) |
| 5:15pm – 6:15pm | Plenary Session 3: Outcomes and Assessment (Kerry Ann O’Meara, University of Maryland) |
| 6:15pm – 6:30pm | Break |
| 6:30pm – 7:30pm | Dinner (Provided) Welcome from the Commission for Student Involvement (Sarah Hermsmeier, Commission Vice-Chair) |
| Thursday, December 6, 2012 | |
| 8:00am – 9:00am | Continental Breakfast & “Housekeeping” Items (Provided) |
| 9:00am – 9:45am | Community Spotlight 2: Break Away-The Alternative Breaks Connection |
| 9:45am – 10:45am | Plenary Session 4: Community Outreach (Peter Mather, Ohio University) |
| 10:45am – 11:00am | Break |
| 11:00am – 11:45am | Campus Spotlight 2: The University of Georgia |
| 11:45am – 12:30pm | Discussion Groups (Guided Discussion) |
| 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Lunch (Provided) |
| 1:30pm – 2:30pm | Plenary Session 5: Student Engagement, (T.W. Cauthen III, University of Georgia) |
| 2:30pm – 2:45pm | Break |
| 2:45pm – 3:30pm | Campus Spotlight 3: University of Massachusetts-Amherst |
| 3:30pm – 4:30pm | Student Panel: The Impact of Service-Learning on the College Student Experience |
| 4:30pm – 4:45pm | Break |
| 4:45pm – 5:15pm | Discussion Groups (Guided Discussion) |
| 5:15pm – 6:15pm | Community Panel: The Impact of Service-Learning on our Communities and Partners Representatives, Organizations |
| 6:15pm – 6:30pm | Break |
| 6:30pm – 8:00pm | Resource Fair & Reception (Provided) Dinner (On Own) |
| Friday, December 7, 2012 | |
| 7:00am – 8:45am | Check-Out & Catered Breakfast (Provided) |
| 8:45am – 9:00am | "Housekeeping" Items |
| 9:00am – 10:00am | Plenary Session 6: Realistically Speaking? (Kristan Cilente Skendall, University of Maryland) |
| 10:00am – 10:45am | Community Spotlight 3: American Democracy Project |
| 10:45am – 11:00am | Break |
| 11:00am – 12:00pm | Final Discussion Group (Symposium Debrief, Staying in Touch) |
| 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Closing Keynote: The Future of Service Learning on our Campuses and in our Communities (Susan Jones, The Ohio State University) |
| 1:00pm – 1:30pm | Thank You & "Housekeeping" Items Boxed Lunches (Provided) Participants Depart from Symposium |
Registration (pdf)(doc)(On-line)
| Early Bird Registration – Before November 16, 2012 | Regular Registration – After November 16, 2012 |
| ACPA Member $395.00 | ACPA Member $495.00 |
| Non-Member $595.00 | Non-Member $695.00 |
| Student Member $150.00 | Student Member $175.00 |
| Student Non-Member $210.00 | Student Non-Member $310.00 |
Individuals must be fully registered in order to attend any one Symposium on Service-Learning event. You may register online or print a registration form from the ACPA website.
Hotel, Transportation & Travel
The official hotel of the Symposium is the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards 110 S. Eutaw Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA. A limited number of rooms have been reserved at a rate of $139 a night (plus taxes). Single or Double Occupancy. Free internet in the sleeping rooms is included in this rate. Reservations can be made by dialing 410.962.0202 before November 1, 2012. Be sure to mention “ACPA Symposium on Service-Learning” to receive this special rate. Additional Information on the Marriott Inner Harbor can be found here.
To book your hotel room online, click on this dedicated link which includes our special rate code: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bwiih?groupCode=acpacpa&app=resvlink&fromDate=12/4/12&toDate=12/7/12
Transportation:
For flights we suggest flying in to Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI).
In addition, there are multiple ways to get from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport to the hotel.
- Super Shuttle: A shared ride van will transport you to and from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport to the Marriott for $14 per person (one way). Pick-up can be arranged online.
- Taxi Service: Cab and taxi service is available from the Lower Level exit of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport to Marriott for approximately $35.
- For more suggestions on transportation and travel, including light rail, train, and by car, please visit the Marriott Inner Harbor transportation page here.
Commission on Student Involvement
The focus of the Commission is students in colleges and universities and their environments. Efforts of the Commission are directed toward a deeper understanding of the students, their characteristics, purposes, attitudes, behavior, mores, campus activities, and community life as a basis for more effective planning of relevant programs for students. A major emphasis of the Commission’s work is on the integration of out of class activities of students on the campus and in the larger community with the formal academic curriculum. The college student’s total educational experience is seen as a potent force for student development. The Commission fulfills its function not only through convention programming but also through research and ongoing task force efforts aimed at advancing and advocating the development of more visible student organizations and activities programs. Within the Association, the Commission provides an avenue for involvement of anyone working with and/or interested in student activities at post-secondary institutions. Commission Web site
About Baltimore
Come for a taste of our world-famous Maryland Crabs and Seafood and enjoy one of the many up-coming festivals and events happening in the city such as Restaurant Week and the annual Preakness Stakes. If you're a Baltimore sports fan, you'll want to stop at Camden Yards to watch the Baltimore Orioles play ball or catch a Baltimore Ravens football game. When planning your next East Coast vacation consider one of the luxurious Cruises from Baltimore and be sure to check out the latest Baltimore travel deals and discounts!
With so many things to do in Baltimore, you'll find it's the perfect place for work as well as pleasure. Our state-of-the-art convention facilities and meeting facilities are second to none and we're ready to help you plan your next convention, conference, or meeting (on any scale) right here in Charm City. Not sure Baltimore is right for your gathering? See our Top 10 Reasons to Meet in Baltimore before you decide where to host your next event!
Baltimore's Inner Harbor is home to many tasty restaurants, unique shopping, famous museums, live entertainment, local pubs and taverns. Explore the idea of staying in one of the many Inner Harbor Hotels where it's easy to get in on the action, spirit, and fun of everything Baltimore has to offer!
While here you may want to explore a few of our famous Art, Cultural and Historic Museums, the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, or The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History.
We also boast a very rich cultural history and by touring historical attractions in Baltimore like Fort McHenry - home of the American National Anthem written during the War of 1812 - you will gain a new perspective of the city. Celebrate Black History Month and black history in Baltimore by picking up a copy of our African American Heritage and Attractions Guide and we'll introduce you to places that you may not have heard of and others that you've wanted to see. Are you planning a family reunion? Check out our family reunion planner! Baltimore is a multicultural, family friendly, pet friendly and gay travel friendly destination that offers something for everyone
Payment and Cancellation Policy
Registrations can be paid by check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. All fees must be prepaid. Purchase orders are not accepted. Refunds will be given for cancellations received in writing by November 15, 2012 - less a $55 processing fee. After November 15th, there are no refunds. ACPA reserves the right to charge a service fee of $50 for returned checks. A processing fee of $50 per registration will be charged for credit cards declined or to change payment methods after the initial payment is processed. The conference may be cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. In this case, the fees will be fully refunded; however, ACPA will not be responsible for other additional costs, charges or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines and/or travel agencies. All rates are in U.S. Dollars.
Contact Information
For more information about ACPA’s Symposium on Service-Learning, contact Tricia Fechter, Senior Director – Professional Development, Research & Scholarship, or call 1.202.835.2272. Or, contact Symposium Chairs, Sarah Hermsmeier, 859-257-4673 from the University of Kentucky or Daniel Fidalgo Tomé, 908-420-5885 from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.