Civic Engagement and Service Learning

This learning community is open only to entering first year students. We are looking for students with a wide variety of interests from diverse backgrounds who are interested in integrating their classroom experience with projects in the campus and local communities. Students from any school and every major are welcome.

Students who join the learning community will live together, plan and participate in collective projects, and enroll in a common course each semester.

By living together, the learning community will take part in a set of common activities including fun trips and outings coordinated by a faculty advisor and residential life staff.

By planning and implementing community projects as part of their academic work, students will make meaningful contributions to the world around them.

Finally, by studying together community members will explore the lives and accomplishments of an array of distinguished community leaders, analyze a number of community-based projects, and reflect on the meaning and impact of democratic participation.

All community members will take PLS 392, Topics in American Politics (Fall) and PLS 395, Perspectives on American Democracy (Spring); both courses, despite their 300-level numbers, are tailored specifically for first year students and will be open only to members of the learning community. Part of each course will be devoted to identifying, planning and implementing community projects. 

What’s in it for you?

You will become problem solvers and active citizens by working with students, faculty and staff on a variety of projects. The learning community will provide you with  a way to become integrated into the Brockport community by contributing directly to the quality of life on campus. It will provide you with a way to put your ideas and commitments into action. And, as a recent story from The New York Times suggests, it may help you down the path to a rewarding career.