Frequently Asked Questions

Questions relevant to New Community Partners

• What is the Request to Initiate Partnership Form?

  The Request to Initiate Partnership Form  is an online form filled by an organization who is interested in being listed as a community partner with whom our students can complete their service learning. You will provide information about the details of your organization and the service learning opportunity (or opportunities) you offer to our students to complete their service learning with your organization.  

  For specific questions regarding the form, please contact our office at servicelearning@csusm.edu.

• Does a community partner be a non-profit to be a site for students to complete their service learning?
  No. You can indicate whether you are non-profit or for profit organization in the Request to Initiate Partnership Form. 
• When will my application be approved?

  After submitting a Request to Initiate Partnership Form, your application will be reviewed and processed by the Service Learning Office. Once your request has been processed a member of our team will reach out to you with next steps. 

Questions relevant to Current Community Partners

• How do I update my information on the database?
  Currently, the database is only accessible to students and faculty. Please contact us with your requested changes at servicelearning@csusm.edu and we'll be happy to assist you.
• How do I add an additional Service Learning opportunity?

  Please use the New Service Learning Opportunity Form. Your opportunity will be reviewed and if approved, posted on the database within a week.

• How long will my service learning opportunity be posted?

  The service learning opportunity will be available as an ongoing basis unless otherwise indicated.

• How am I able to promote my site?

  Organizations wishing to promote a Service Learning organization can do so at our annual Internships & Service Learning fair hosted during our Spring semester.

  For further information please contact us at servicelearning@csusm.edu.

Questions about Hosting a Service Learning Student

• Do I have to keep track of the student’s time spent at my organization?

   Students are responsible for keeping track of their hours. Service Learning site supervisors may be asked to sign off of the Service Learning timesheet at the end of every month.

  At the end of each semester the course instructors may reach out to the site supervisor for confirmation of the student’s hours. Alternatively, if students provided your email address on the Service Learning End of Service form, you will receive an automated email asking you to confirm the student's service learning hours by emailing the course instructor. 

• What do I do after I have accepted a Service Learning student?

  Congratulations on hosting a Service Learning student! Please proceed with procedures you have for volunteers at your organization.  

• Do I have to accept each student who contacts the organization?

  Service Learning students are encouraged to reach out to mutliple sites. You are not obligated to accept a certain number of students per semester. 

  For specific questions , please contact our office at servicelearning@csusm.edu.

Questions Regarding K-12 Schools

• As a K – 12 staff member can I fill out an application for my district?

   For liability insurance we ask all K - 12 staff members to consult with their district personnel prior to completing an application and accepting a Service Learning Student.

• I am a teacher at a K – 12 school, does my district need to fill out the application?

  It is not required, but highly recommended, as there may be other documents that your district requires. If you would like to verify if your district is a current partner, please contact the Office of Service Learning at servicelearning@csusm.edu.