Community Service EDU 390

EDU 390 FAQ

We have made changes to EDU 390. Please read the requirements below before finding a site for EDU 390.

What is community service in education?

Where can I do community service?

What kind of commitment is required for a community service course?

How do I set up my community service project and get registered?

What do I need to do at the end of my community service project?

Q1: What is community service in education?

A: Through community service, students have an opportunity to gain insight regarding their roles as citizens and professionals in meeting the educational needs of the community's youth. As students exercise social responsibility, they develop an increased awareness of the challenges of contemporary life, particularly as these relate to the broadly defined educational goals of their society.
STUDENTS MUST BE AT LEAST SECOND SEMESTER SOPHOMORES TO REGISTER FOR EDU 390.

Q2: Where can I do community service?

A: Your service will typically be in a context outside of the University at Albany, and in a volunteer capacity, with organizations that work in local school districts.

- NY Gear-Up*
GEAR-UP stands for "Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs." EDU 390 students will work in classrooms at Harriet Gibbons HS, a small, transitional 9th grade high school in Albany. For more information visit ED 127.

- Albany High School *
Students are placed in various high school classrooms assisting teachers and helping high school students with the class work and class projects. Students are placed in classrooms based on their interests and experiences. For more information visit the Pathways Into Education Center  (ED 127, PIECenter@uamail.albany.edu, 518-442-4828).

- Elementary Tutoring Program*
Students serve as classroom assistants in an Albany elementary school. EDU 390 volunteers will assist the teachers with various tasks. Volunteers will also work with students needing additional assistance in elementary subjects, particularly reading and writing. For more information visit ED 127.

- Foreign Language Classroom Assistant*
Students work in high school and middle school French or Spanish classrooms. They assist students with their class work and small group work. For more information visit ED 127.

- Two Together*
Two Together is a non-profit, after-school literacy program for elementary school children, grades 1 through 6 in Albany’s South End. Some volunteer time may also be spent in library operations and other support activities. For more information visit visit the Pathways Into Education Center  (ED 127, PIECenter@uamail.albany.edu, 518-442-4828).

- U-Kids Day Care*
Students volunteer in the UAlbany campus day care center assisting teachers with various tasks throughout the day located in the Dutch Quad.

*Students who are work-study approved may complete their work-study hours at these sites while simultaneously earning credit for EDU390.

Q3: What kind of commitment is required for a community service course?

A: Community service courses may be taken for 3 credits per semester, and may be repeated once for credit, with a maximum of 6 credits that can count toward your degree. For each credit, you must complete 35 hours of service (example: 105 hours of service = 3 credits). Students are required to maintain a journal throughout the semester documenting the dates and hours of service, and what educationally-related activities were performed during this time. It is important to be realistic about the amount of time you can commit; young people and organizations will be counting on you. Please keep track of your hours on the EDU 390 Community Service Timesheet.

Q4: How do I set up my community service project and get registered?

A: All EDU 390 placements must be set-up through the Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center, ED 127. Students are responsible for agreeing upon duties, and scheduling hours for their placements. A brief description of the community service assignment describing what the student hopes to accomplish along with the site supervisor’s signature are required on the application form. Students must also read and sign a Community Service Guidelines agreement. The completed application form and Guideline agreement is due no later than the last day for late registration each semester. Completed applications must be turned in to the PIE Center, ED 127 (442-4990) to obtain the permission number that is necessary to register for the course. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A brief Orientation to Community Service session is scheduled at the beginning of the semester.

Students must complete EDU 390 during the semester they are registered for the course. EDU 390 credits will not be awarded to any previous volunteer work. Additionally, work completed over the summer will not be counted retroactively for EDU 390 during the academic year. Summer sessions of EDU 390 are available every year.

You can pick up an EDU 390 application from the Pathways Into Education Center, ED 127 or download an application here.

Q5: What do I need to do at the end of my community service project?

A: At the conclusion of your community service semester, you must turn in your Time Log AND the Post-Service Assessment Form in order to receive credit for EDU 390. This form requires you to write a brief review and assessment of your participation in EDU 390 describing how your chosen site benefited from your service and what educational benefits you derived from the experience. It is your responsibility to submit your completed Post-Service Assessment Form, signed by your project advisor/site supervisor, to the Pathways Into Education Center, ED 127 on or before the last day of classes for the semester, along with your completed and signed journal. Note that EDU 390 is an S/U graded course. Grades of "Incomplete" will not be issued for EDU 390, so be sure to complete all hours prior to the end of the semester.

Please Note:
The EDU390 Community Service Course is not intended for use as student teaching experience toward teacher certification. It is a course designed to encourage students to participate in public and community service within the field of education. It is not part of a state recognized teacher preparation program, and therefore does not meet NYS requirements for a student teaching experience.