About Service Learning Background Image

About Service Learning

CONTACT, HOURS & APPOINTMENTS

 

Welcome to the Service Learning and Volunteer Center!

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Office Hours

Monday-Thursday 8:00-4:30 p.m. & Friday 8:00-3:00 p.m, evening appointments available by request. All calls and emails will be returned within 24-48 hours.

Staff Contact Information

  • Bea Palmer (she/her/hers/ella)
    Program Manager: 760.795.6618
    bpalmer@miracosta.edu
  • Analia Zamora-DeHart (she/her/hers/ella)
    Administrative Support II: 760.795.6616
    azamora@miracosta.edu
  • Student Advocates
    Marina Arellano, Jasslyn Bates, Joshua Gershon, Anthony Heredia, Maria Mireles, Parmis Sanaei, and Makhi Williams-Kent
  • General Service Learning email: servicelearning@miracosta.edu

Fall 2022 Service Learning & Volunteer Fairs

Attend 1 or all 3 separate days! Learn about the mission, programs & services, and volunteer needs of local non-profit organizations. FREE Giveaways may be offered to attendees!

Reasons to attend:

  • Need a place to volunteer
  • Meet local non-profit representatives & network
  • Need experience for your resume
  • Need a site for your service learning assignment
  • Need experiences for your transfer & scholarship application
  • Build your social & cultural capital

Day 1 (Virtual)
Wednesday, September 14
3:00pm-4:30pm
Register for day one virtual fair zoom link:https://bit.ly/3P3zZxb

Day 2 (In-Person)
Thursday, September 15
12:00pm-1:30pm
Location: MiraCosta College One Barnard Drive, Oceanside Water Fountain Area
RSVP at the following link: https://bit.ly/3cnjf5G

Day 3 (Virtual)
Friday, September 16
9:30am-11:00am
Register for day three virtual fair zoom link:https://bit.ly/3z0OJY0

Common Questions Related to Service Learning & Volunteer Program

The service learning placement (organization) has terminated all volunteers, how will this impact my grade?

Please connect with your instructor, they will adjust your assignment accordingly. Your instructor may offer you the alternative assignment. If your service learning was mandatory, the instructor will offer you a new option that aligns with moving courses online.

I completed part or most of my hours, will I receive credit for these hours?
Make sure all of your completed hours are submitted to your instructor or emailed as pdf to the service learning & Volunteer Center via email to servicelearning@miracosta.edu. The center will update the reports that are sent to your instructor. If you have questions please email us or call 760-795-6616. All calls will be returned within a 24-48 hour period.
I completed part of my hours but I can’t get them verified by the organization?
Please email your concern to servicelearning@miracosta.edu and copy your instructor. The program manager will reach out to the organization. All emails will be acknowledged within a 24 hour period, but the resolution might take longer due to some organizations being closed.
Will I still get my certificate of service learning if I submitted proof of hours?
Yes, all certificates will be processed as usual, unless the college is closed. Students who complete at least 15 hours for one organization, for one class, will receive a certificate of service learning participation. Make sure that your mailing address is up to date in your SURF account. All service learning agreement forms and timesheets must be submitted. If you are having difficulties getting hours signed, please call or email the service learning & volunteer center prior to the deadline set by your instructor.
How do I get a copy of all of my service hours to apply for a scholarship, transfer application, or employment.

Send an email to servicelearning@miracosta.edu  with your SURF ID, first and last name, and indicate if you want your service history emailed or mailed. Please allow 3-5 business days for all service histories.

I was planning to apply for the Volunteer Service Award (50-99 hours) or MiraCosta Presidential Service Award (100+ hours) volunteer certificate. When will these awards be processed?
We process volunteer awards at the end of the academic year, during the spring semester. All students working towards the volunteer awards are encouraged to submit their volunteer hours by April 15th. Award recipients will be recognized during the End of the Year Celebration. For those who are unable to attend the celebration, volunteer awards will be mailed to the recipients address registered on their SURF account.
I had planned to apply for Student Advocate (student worker in the Service Learning & Volunteer Center,) will the center still recruit?

Yes! Please email us with inquiries regarding potential openings for the fall 2022. The college has compiled a FAQ Sheet which contains a list of some of the most common questions and answers across campus departments.

What is Service Learning?

Service learning is a form of experiential education that partners academic instruction with community service. Students learn through participation in thoughtfully organized service activities that are course relevant and meet actual community needs.  Each semester approximately 60 courses at MiraCosta College offer a service component either as an option or a requirement. Students are placed in non-profit organizations and public schools where they provide a variety of support services. These placements allow students to apply course theory in real world settings while making valuable community contributions. Start by registering as a Service Learning participant for the current semester, this is service assignment for a specific class. Click here to view a list of courses and instructors that have offered service learning. To view a list of approved community partners click here.

What's the Volunteer Program?

The volunteer program is any service not connected to a particular class. Students can participate in co-curricular service opportunities for many reasons: explore career paths, learn about your community, build your resume, civic engagement, scholarships, transfer applications and to build your culture and social capital. We offer two different certificates of participation when students complete 50-99 hours or 100+ hours. Learn more about about this program by clicking here. If you want to register for our volunteer program start by registering here. Students must volunteer at any non-profit organization, check out our current community partners.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Service Learning and Volunteer Center is to support and promote student success and student engagement through curricular and co-curricular community service. The center facilitates applied learning opportunities that enhance student learning while increasing personal civic responsibility, community awareness, personal growth, and cultural competency.

Our foundation is CASE: Community, Advocacy, Service, and Education.

Student Advocates

The center hires a student leadership team of service oriented students who are passionate about education, community, advocacy, social justice, and equity. Student Advocates are assigned to a local Title I school, local non-profit that supports a local Title I schools, or non-profits whose mission aligns well with our institutional and program mission. Their role is to assist the school or organization with literacy, STEAM activities, and activities that promote higher learning. Advocates also work in the center and use their paid office hours as an opportunity to share service opportunities with other college students. Advocate tasks include: office hours, promoting program services, raising awareness about community partnerships and service opportunities. They also gain employability skills by helping coordinate service projects that raise awareness on issues connected with education, community, social justice, and equity.