Community Partner
FAQ's

• When do I apply for an APPLES service-learning student?
• 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 faculty?
• What do I do if there is a problem with my service-learning student or faculty?
• What happens at the end of the semester?

Q: When do I apply for an APPLES service-learning student?
A: Requests are made in July for the fall semester and in November for the spring semester. Requests are made online through our database. Community partners receive an email with instructions to prompt them to submit a request.

Q: How will I know if my service-learning request is accepted?
A: Community partners are contacted before the start of the semester to attend the Core Connections Breakfast. During the breakfast, community partners receive information on the APPLES course(s) they will be listed with. This is an opportunity for APPLES faculty and community partners to 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. However, we are not able to guarantee that every community partner will receive an APPLES service-learning student.

Q: What contact will I have with the APPLES office?
A: APPLES conducts a site visit with 1/3 of our community partners each semester and contacts the others by phone. This usually occurs at the mid-point of the semester and is useful to better understand and improve the service-learning partnership.

Q: What contact will I have with faculty?
A: At the beginning of each semester, community partners have a chance to interact with faculty at the Core Connections Breakfast. In addition, community partners may receive emails or updates from faculty during the semester At the end of the semester, faculty will ask partners to complete evaluations of the student's performance at their site. However, community partners are encouraged to open communication with faculty and share any concerns or feedback with them throughout the semester.

Q: What do I do if there is a problem with my service-learning student or faculty?
A: Community partners can contact either APPLES or the faculty teaching the service-learning course. Both are resources available to community partners and can assist with addressing or troubleshooting specific issues.

Q: What happens at the end of the semester?
A: Community partners complete an evaluation of both the APPLES student and of the APPLES program. This information is passed along to the faculty member and the APPLES program and is useful in informing the student’s grade and improving future service-learning experiences. APPLES recommends that community partners conduct an exit interview with all departing APPLES students. Many APPLES students decide to continue volunteering after the semester ends.