Preparing students for Community Engaged Learning (CEL) increases the likelihood of positive outcomes for all stakeholders. Prepared students are also less likely to cause unintentional harm when engaging with the community. CEVC recommends the following steps during the first 3 weeks of the course:

1. Define CEL on your syllabus and convey its importance to the course by tying it to the specific discipline and field of study. Outline expectations, learning outcomes, and community engagement outcomes.
2. Schedule a presentation. CEVC full-time and student staff will present in person or online to your class to prepare students for ethical engagement in the community. Typically, as part of the presentation, we guide students to the Volunteer NOW website to begin pursuing opportunities, although we tailor the presentation to your preferences.
3. Engage students in dialogue and consideration about the community in which they will be serving, relevant social concerns, and the ways in which they will relate to the community.

Before being connected to a community partner, JMU students must acknowledge and agree to comply with the expectations outlined in CEVC’s Steps to Successful Community Engagement. Students will be prompted to sign this commitment form when creating a Volunteer NOW profile. Reviewing these steps during class and adding specific guidelines for your community partner(s) is beneficial if time allows. Revisit expectations as necessary throughout the semester.