Learning to Serve: Promoting Civil Society Through Service Learning, University of Colorado at Denver

Abstract

Throughout the twentieth century a debate that has defined the ever-changing world of higher education has surrounded the notion of the importance of service learning. By highlighting issues such as relevance, accessibility, and most importantly, responsibility, the general public has made it clear that accountability will continue to be a theme in the upcoming future. As a result of the external interest in higher education, many institutions are reassessing their core principles in an effort to expand the meaning of excellence. A concerted effort is being made by the higher education community to incorporate service as a component of the learning foundation instead of just an ancillary activity as in the past. This provides evidence that civic responsibility will play a major role in the progression of this new century, whether the institution is a financial services firm, information technology company, or a university.