Community Partner
FAQ's

• When do I apply for an APPLES service-learning volunteer?
• How will I know if my service-learning request is accepted?
• When will I find out if I will have an APPLES service-learning student?
• What contact will I have with the APPLES office?
• What contact will I have with APPLES course instructors?
• What do I do if there are any challenges that arise with the service-learning partnership?
• What happens at the end of the semester?

Q: When do I apply for an APPLES service-learning volunteer?
A: The request period opens in July for the Fall semester and in November for the Spring semester. Requests can be made through the APPLES online database. Community partners will be notified to begin submitting requests via email through our Community Partners listserv.

Q: How will I know if my service-learning request is accepted?
A: Community partners are contacted before the start of the semester by APPLES staff and invited to attend the Core Connections Breakfast. During the breakfast, community partners will receive information about the APPLES course(s) with which they will be listed and have an opportunity to meet APPLES instructors and prepare for the upcoming semester.

Q: When will I find out if I will have an APPLES service-learning student?
A: During the first couple weeks of class, students are informed of available service-learning opportunities. Students will directly contact community partners throughout the month of September during the fall semester or throughout January for the spring semester. While we hope to match every service-learning volunteer request with a service-learning student, we cannot guarantee that each position will be filled. If you have not received any communication from student(s) or instructor(s) by October (for the Fall semester) or February (for the Spring semester), contact the APPLES office at applesoutreach@unc.edu.

Q: What contact will I have with the APPLES office?
A: APPLES conducts site visits with 1/3 of our community partners each semester and contacts the others by phone or email. This usually occurs at the mid-point of the semester, in October/November for the Fall semester and February/March for the Spring semester. The purpose of the site visit is to learn how the student(s) are acclimating to the service-learning placement and organization, as well as learn what support APPLES can offer to facilitate a better service-learning partnership.

Q: What contact will I have with APPLES course instructors?
A: At the beginning of each semester, community partners have a chance to interact with instructors at the Core Connections Breakfast. This is an opportunity to share information about your organization, as well as obtain a copy of the course syllabus, learn about the course’s academic objectives, and exchange contact information. APPLES encourages open communication between community partners and course instructors throughout the semester to share questions, concerns, or feedback.

Q: What do I do if there are any challenges that arise with the service-learning partnership?
A: Community partners are encouraged to resolve challenges with students or instructors directly. However, we recognize that sometimes this is not possible, so contact the APPLES office if you have further questions. We can assist with addressing or troubleshooting specific issues or offering support.

Q: What happens at the end of the semester?
A: It is best to discuss an end date during your first or second meeting with service-learning students, to decide whether you will end when classes end or after finals. For tips on ending your service-learning partnership for the semester, refer to the APPLES Student-Supervisor Wrap-Up sheet. APPLES recommends that community partners conduct an exit interview with all departing APPLES students. In addition, don’t forget to complete an evaluation of the student as well as provide feedback about the APPLES program itself.