Testimonials at UNL
“It’s a wonderful tool to maximize learning, and a classic win/win situation. The students learned more than they could have in the classroom and the community benefited from the students' efforts. Actually, the unexpected events allowed for even more learning because we worked together to create solutions.”
+Tim Wentz, Associate Professor and Interim Department Chair, Construction 405: Mechanical and Electrical Estimating
“This type of service project focused students not only on the needs of the community but also on their ability to serve the community with their college-gained management skills.”
+Dr. Charles Berryman, Associate Professor, Construction 490: Senior Construction Project
“From what students have told me and from their stories, this service-learning experience has been invaluable. Not only have the students become more aware of the civil wars, ethnic conflict, and political instability occurring in the world, they have become directly involved in the lives of refugees here in Lincoln.”
+Safia Swimelar, Professor, Political Science 260: Problems in International Relations - Refugees and Human Rights
“One of the most important things I have gained from this whole experience is exposure to a different way of life and set of beliefs. You can go to class, take notes and read the text, but you will not get the intimate picture of what life is really like in some faraway place that we briefly discuss in class. This can only come from getting to know a person who has lived it.”
+Student, Political Science 260: Problems in International Relations - Refugees and Human Rights
“To be honest with you, I have heard all of the stereotypes about refugees, and more specifically, what people think are illegal immigrants. After taking this class and interacting with the refugees one on one, my view has totally changed. The refugees that I have had the opportunity to work with have been some of the most amazing people I have met. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences that I have taken part in.”
+Student, Political Science 260: Problems in International Relations - Refugees and Human Rights
“When I was suddenly faced with the realization of two refugees, the thought of tutoring for an “A” in Political Science 260 became the most minute of thoughts running through my head. All at once two people were relying on my grammar skills to help them adapt to a new culture. I felt as if I could not let them down because they had been let down so many times in their past. I felt as if political science didn't matter as much as just being able to help these two people that I hadn’t even met yet.”
+Student, Political Science 260: Problems in International Relations - Refugees and Human Rights
“I received many complimentary comments from faculty in the chemistry department on the quality of the displays and the intent of the outreach. In follow up conversations with the Chemistry 114 students I found them to be very pleased about sharing their academic accomplishments with younger students. Several mentioned their own memories of middle school and what an impression it made when older students visited their own schools. The college students were able to see themselves as emerging adults with responsibilities to help set a positive example to younger members of society.”
+Dr. Charles McLaughlin, Senior Lecturer, Chemistry 113/114
“In the middle of America, it is often difficult to get students focused on international affairs. Service-Learning projects with local non-profit agencies that work with refugees and immigrants provide students with first-hand knowledge of the issues we explore in class. As students are directed out, injecting their energy and enthusiasm into the community, the class takes advantage of the community’s expertise.”
+Dr. Patrice McMahon, Assistant Professor, Political Science 160H: International Relations
“Service-learning put the relations into international relations.”
+Student, Political Science 160H: International Relations
For more information about applying service-learning in your courses, contact the Student Involvement Service-Learning & Volunteer Services Team at 472-2454.
