Why Practice Community Engaged Learning? 

At its core, CEL is a partnership of reciprocity. It moves beyond traditional volunteering by integrating community service with specific academic goals and critical reflection. By connecting theory to practice, CEL rejuvenates the classroom experience and produces a "mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources" (Carnegie Foundation, 2006). 

Since 1986, the Community Engagement & Volunteer Center (CEVC) has helped JMU faculty transform their courses into hands-on experiences with local and global impact. 

How the CEVC Supports Your Work 

We handle the logistics so you can focus on the pedagogy. Our mission is to: 

• Connect: We identify and suggest community partners tailored to your learning objectives. 

• Support: We lead classroom sessions on ethical engagement and facilitate student reflection. 

• Promote: We document your impact for university reporting and faculty award consideration. 

Faculty Development & Resources 

Whether you are designing a new curriculum or enhancing an existing course, we provide the following: 

• Strategic Matching: Connecting your students to direct (time-based), project-based, or one-time exploratory community opportunities. 

• Expert Consultation: 1-1 sessions with CEVC staff or Faculty Liaisons to assist in curriculum (re)design. 

• Financial Support: Access to CEL "mini-grants" (up to $250) to offset course-related costs. 

• Best Practices: Immediate access to the CEVC Faculty Toolkit. 

Get Started: Course Planning & Documentation 

To request support or ensure your course is documented for university awards, please complete the  

Faculty Course Planning Form. 

• Deadlines: May 1 (Fall Semester) | October 1 (Spring Semester) 

• Time: The form takes approximately 5 minutes and covers up to 3 courses. 

Complete the Faculty Course Planning Form here.