What is Service Learning?
Service learning is a credit-bearing, faculty-directed, teaching-learning experience that is course specific. It strengthens academic content knowledge and sense of civic responsibility. Students build critical thinking skills as they engage in experiential, community-based activities that are aligned with and integral to academic course work. At the same time, the community (real people in real situations) benefits from assistance that would otherwise not be available.
Service Learning News
A lot of great service is constantly happening on campus and in our community. Read about the ways University of Arkansas students, faculty, staff, and Service Learning courses are serving our community and world--and learn more about our opportunities.
- Award-Winning Impact: Service Learning Faculty Named to Dean’s Circle
- U of A Represents at Gulf-South Summit in Nashville
- Service Learning Initiative Honors Faculty, Students, Community Partner for Achievements
- Innovating Occupational Therapy Education Through Service Learning
- Service Learning Initiative Announces 2025 Awards and Events
- Service Learning Instructors Present as Adventure Therapy Leaders at Experiential Education Conferences
- HIPS Unite: Service Learning Intern Shares First-Gen Experience at One Book One Community Event
- Funds Available for Current and Prospective Service Learning Faculty, Students
- Growing Service Learning Initiative Hires Full-Time Staff Member
- Service Learning Initiative Celebrates Community Partners
- Dr. Noah Billig and Service Learning students honored with Outstanding Contributions awards
- Strategic Philanthropy course teaches service learning through generosity
- Service Learning benefits campus as a High-Impact Practice
Help us highlight the activities and initiatives happening on campus and in the community.
Share your service learning story today!

FACULTY
Award-Winning Impact: Service Learning Faculty Named to Dean’s Circle
Glenda Hux Selected as National Academies of Practice Distinguished Fellow
Prof. Amelia McGowan named 2024-2025 Service Learning Teaching Award Winner
Law Professor Annie Smith Awarded Equal Justice Distinguished Service Award
Have you received a recognition or have news you want us to share? Email svclrn01@uark.edu for a highlight.
STUDENTS
Undergrad and Graduate students honored with 2024-2025 Service Learning Awards
Do you have projects with strong service learning aspects? Submit your article to Undergraduate Journal of Service Learning.
COMMUNITY
EMPOWER presented with 2024-2025 Service Learning Community Partner Award
Service Learning Initiative Celebrates Community Partners in 2024 Event
Need help to build partnership with faculty? Email svclrn01@uark.edu to get started.