Community Engaged Learning is a credit-bearing educational experience that applies course material to contribute to equitable solutions for issues impacting one or more communities. Community engaged learning courses include reflection activities that integrate students' learning across classroom and community contexts.
CCE works with faculty from every school and college at Seattle University to integrate community engagement into their courses. While every discipline and partnership is unique, we define three major types of CEL courses:
Scholarship documents many benefits of CEL for students. Benefits include an increase in civic attitudes and civic mindedness, gains in interpersonal skills such as collaboration and teamwork, and strong professional formation (Matthews et al, 2016, Chittum et al, 2022). Significantly, underserved students who participate in CEL are more likely to graduate than those who do not participate in these experiences (Finley & McNair, 2013).
Seattle University’s community engaged learning efforts are guided by the following principles:
CCE staff members assist with every part of CEL course design and facilitation from project scoping and partnership development to assessing student and community impact. We also guide faculty and students through the logistics of beginning their placements and can hold in-class workshops for students on the principles and practices of equitable community engagement.
Will you be teaching a community engaged learning course? Fill out our support request form to get started or to learn more about how CCE can help. You can also browse our upcoming professional development opportunities.
We recommend getting in touch at least 10 weeks prior to teaching a new CEL course.