Service Learning:

The Center for Experiential Learning at Loras College connects faculty and students to the broader Dubuque community in meaningful and mutually beneficial ways.  Through service learning courses, co-curricular programming and Federal Work Study community jobs, the CEL challenges students to get to know the assets and needs of Dubuque and most importantly, to make a positive difference in the community.

Service Learning courses come from a variety of disciplines and require students to engage with the community through direct service, community-based research or consciousness-raising activities.  These courses challenge students to identify the complexity of social and community issues; to critically analyze issues from competing perspectives; and to deepen their solidarity with those found most often at the margins of society.  In these courses, students are prompted to think beyond their semester-based contributions, to the larger systemic changes that may be needed to bring about a more just world.

In addition, students gain valuable knowledge and skills relevant to their chosen field, making them more marketable to employers upon graduation. For example, senior accounting students apply their skills by preparing income tax returns for low income and senior taxpayers.  Social work students gain experience in grant-writing, by writing and submitting grants for Dubuque area non-profits.

Co-curricular service learning programming occurs in many venues across the Loras campus, including:  Campus Ministry, Athletics, Student Life, Inter-Cultural Office, academic clubs and the residence halls.   The Center for Experiential Learning collaborates with these campus programs to ensure that students have strong learning opportunities and so that the greatest positive impact can result in the community. 

Loras College students also have the opportunity to apply their work study awards to jobs in local schools and other non-profit organizations. These positions offer students the rare opportunity to work alongside community leaders who are committed and positive change agents in Dubuque.  Students who are not eligible for work study awards will also find an abundance of volunteer opportunities on campus and off that strive to serve the broader community.