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Welcome, Students!
At MRU, Community Service Learning (CSL) is a powerful teaching method that enables students to make positive contributions to communities locally and globally through hands-on experiences.
CSL combines academic expertise, immersive community engagement, and reflective practices to explore the connections between academic learning and community needs.
At Mount Royal University we value student participation in CSL courses through the CSL Citation, which is highlighted on your transcript. To earn this Citation, you must complete three designated courses (totalling a minimum of nine credits) that involve at least 20 hours of community service, contributing at least 15% to your overall grade.
If you've completed three designated courses and want it recognized on your transcript, please complete the CSL Citation Form found here.
Benefits of CSL
- ✓Relationship building
- ✓ Hands-on learning
- ✓ Communication skills
- ✓ Teamwork
- ✓ Real-world experience
- ✓ Resume builder
- ✓ Utilize your skills
CSL Quick Facts
- Is available in every Faculty
- Provides at least 20 hours of community service
- Is worth at least 15% of the course grade
- Students gain a CSL citation on their transcripts
Testimonials
❝ I was really surprised with my CSL project, sometimes you get so caught up with work and things inside and outside of school that you end up putting yourself in a box and forget there are so many opportunities out there, my limited work with my partner has made me reconsider what work I want to do after graduation; it's nice to kind of have all those options laid out in front of you through Community Service Learning❞
Fourth-year Broadcasting student
❝ I think that being exposed to that before we're put into the workplace is super helpful because it not only prepares yourself, but you can take notes on “oh, this worked. I really liked this, I didn't like that, I don't think I'll do that again”, so you can definitely learn about your own work style and just have that experience before you go into anything bigger.❞
Third-year Education student
❝I was really excited to do it because we got to practice a lot of skills that we don’t practice in school…I see the value of working within interdisciplinary teams. Not everyone has that experience and I think it’s a really good skill to have. Also, working directly with a community partner adds stronger value to our portfolio because it shows that we’re already working with clients and we're getting the skills that maybe other programs don’t have.❞
Fourth-year Information Design student
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are enrolled in a program within the fields of Nursing, Public Relations, Information Design, Chemistry, or Child Studies, you are automatically eligible to receive a CSL citation on your academic transcript. This citation recognizes your active participation in courses that integrate community engagement, aligning with the program's commitment to fostering practical experiences and real-world applications. It is a unique feature that distinguishes your educational journey, highlighting the practical and socially responsible aspects of your coursework.
Enroll in at least 3 courses that explicitly incorporate Community Service Learning (CSL) components. These courses typically involve hands-on experiences, community-based projects, and a specified number of hours dedicated to community service. Once you have completed the CSL-designated courses, complete the CSL Citation Form to have it reflected on your academic transcript upon graduation.
Community Service Learning (CSL) helps students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, improving their practical skills like communication and problem-solving. It also fosters critical thinking and social responsibility, connecting students with professionals and enhancing their resumes for future careers.
Community Service Learning (CSL) typically involves meaningful unpaid service activities integrated into academic courses, ranging from short projects of 20 hours per course to longer-term commitments. These projects address community needs and promote social responsibility through reflection. Internships, on the other hand, focus on professional development and are structured as work experiences. They offer hands-on experience related to students' studies and typically require a longer-term commitment, often up to 450 hours. Internships often involve formal evaluations and are frequently paid.