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Teach a Service-Learning Course
FAQ's

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Core Connections Breakfast

Q: How do I set up an APPLES course?

A: Contact the APPLES office for an initial meeting. An APPLES staff member will meet with you to discuss the content of your course, the intended learning and service objectives, as well as resources we can provide to support your course.

Q: I’ve never taught a service-learning course before. Will I be prepared?

A: APPLES offers a number of trainings and workshops throughout the year to prepare service-learning faculty. New faculty attend a Faculty Development Institute in May, a two-day workshop exploring service-learning pedagogy, curriculum development as well as a service and reflection experience.

Q: I have existing relationships with community agencies. Can I arrange the student experiences?

A: APPLES faculty utilize their own resources as well as APPLES network of community partnerships to establish volunteer opportunities for their students. A number of professors choose to develop their own placements, while others request APPLES manages those relationships.

Q: How will students know it is a service-learning course when they register?

A: Contact the scheduling officer for your department to add a “z” footnote and a public service flag to your course. This will alert students to the service-learning component of your course. In addition, we list upcoming APPLES courses on our website.

Q: How will students be prepared for the service-learning experience?

A: APPLES visits each class within the first week of the semester to discuss service-learning, the volunteer opportunities and answer any questions the students may have. In addition, APPLES facilitates out-of-class orientations, offering more in-depth information for students, including expectations, troubleshooting and tips for a successful service-learning experience.

Q: How will I meet the site supervisors or community partners?

A: APPLES coordinates a Core Connections Breakfast each semester providing a time for faculty and community partners to prepare for a successful service-learning experience.

However, in addition to the breakfast, faculty should be in contact with community partners, and at the very least, share their course syllabus with supervisors.

Q: How much time does service-learning require?

A: Service-learning does require planning, maintenance and patience. With the resources and support of the APPLES Program, some of these effects are minimized. Some faculty opt to use graduate students to assist with the additional work associated with a service-learning course.

Q: Are there grants and other forms of financial assistance available for instructors who would like to offer a service-learning course?

A: APPLES awards annual course development grants of up to $8,000 and course enhancement grants of up to $500 each semester.

Q: Are there opportunities to publish in the field of service-learning?

A: Many faculty members from various disciplines at UNC and other institutions have successfully integrated service-learning to their scholarly work.

Q: Who is liable if a student is injured while participating in service-learning activities?

A: APPLES carries a volunteer liability and accident insurance policy for all students participating in an APPLES program or course. Students must submit a completed service-learning agreement to APPLES to verify their participation and therefore, access to our insurance coverage.

Questions, comments? Email us at apples@unc.edu