During the Fall 2013 semester, 221 Walsh University students completed over 4,000 hours of service work with 37 community partners across 14 service-learning courses. These courses covered various disciplines from Business to Theology. Student surveys found that over 90% of students agreed the experience helped them apply course concepts to real world issues and gain insight into community needs, and most students would recommend service-learning courses. The Office of Service Learning facilitates these experiences to support mutual benefit between Walsh and the local community.

1. Office of Service Learning | Fall 2013
Report Compiled by:
Christy Burke Walkuski
Director, Office of Service Learning
Leaders in Service | http://www.walsh.edu/service-learning | Serve. Learn. Lead.

2. Office of Service Learning 2
OVERVIEW
During the Fall 2013 semester, 221 Walsh University
students dedicated just over 4000 hours of service
to 37 local community partners. Service-Learning
courses ranged in discipline from Business to
Theology, with 14 class sections offered.
The purpose of this report is to share service-learning
stories, as well as demonstrate the impact that these
experiences have on our students’ academic,
personal, and civic learning.
OFFICE OF SERVICE-LEARNING MISSION
The Office of Service Learning's mission is to facilitate mutually beneficial service learning
opportunities among Walsh and the local community. This is accomplished by supporting
faculty as they develop and incorporate service learning into courses and by
understanding community needs via established relationships with local organizations.
FALL 2013 COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Alliance Catholic Worker
Belden Elementary / Lighthouse Ministries
Boys & Girls Club Massillon
Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health
Church of the Lakes
Early Childhood Resource Center
Early College Academy
Fairmount Elementary
Hartville Mennonite
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox
House of Loreto
Immaculate Heart, St James
IMPACT Academy
JRC
Lehman Jr High
Little Flower Catholic
Mason Elementary
McKinley High School
North Canton Heritage Society
Open M Free Clinic
Parkvillage Health Care Center
PATHS (Partners Against Trafficking of Humans - Stark)
Quest Recovery and Prevention Services
Reedurban Presbyterian
Refuge of Hope
Salvation Army
Springtime of Hope
St Louis Catholic
St Mary Morges, St Francis
St Michael Catholic
St Paul Catholic
St. Anthony All Saints Parish
Stark County TASC
STARS program
Worley Elementary
YMCA Stark
Zion United Church of Christ
Fall 2013

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FALL 2013 | SERVICE-LEARNING STUDENT PROFILE
Data based on Student Service-Learning Survey administered to all SL Courses.
N=194 fully completed surveys (221 students enrolled in SL courses)
STUDENT MAJORS:
93%
of students said they
would recommend their
Service-Learning course to
another Walsh student
90% Agree or Strongly Agree that:
“I was able to relate course readings and or class discussions to my work in the community”
95% Agree or Strongly Agree that:
“This experience allowed me to gain new insight regarding issues & needs in the community”
94% Agree or Strongly Agree that:
“Service learning helped me to understand how the course subject can be used in the ‘real world’”
Fall 2013
96% Agree or Strongly Agree that:
“I can make a difference in the community”

4. Office of Service Learning
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SERVICE-LEARNING COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
BSC 440 - Applied Behavioral Science Capstone (Dr. Jo Anna Kelley)
This course prepares psychology, sociology and BAMA majors for practice in applied
behavioral science settings. Students interact with clients, bridging the gap between
theory and practice. Through hands-on application of micro-skills learned in
prerequisite courses, students problem solve with clients and supervisors.
In their own words…
“This has been the most memorable experience I have had the opportunity to be a part of at
Walsh. Because of this experience, I was able to gain many skills and much knowledge within the
field of Social Work and the ever growing Elderly population. I am very eager to begin my journey in
this field and to use the knowledge I have gained on my own clients.”
(Senior, Applied Sociology, Family Studies major, BSC 440)
BSN 362 - Global Information Systems (Brian Greenwell)
Students studied conceptual foundations, structures and the development of
effective data-based management systems, including analysis of appropriate
hardware, software, and administrative controls. These concepts were applied in a
community setting by students working in teams to conduct IT Audits for non-profit
partners. These audit reports can then be used by partners for grant applications
and to inform future technology strategy. Students learn to apply course concepts,
while also expanding their understanding of the non-profit community.
Partners included: House of Loreto, YMCA Stark, Refuge of
Hope, Alliance Catholic Worker and North Canton Heritage
Society.
In their own words…
“It was a good experience to see how complicated non-profit businesses are and how they work
under a tight budget.” (Senior, Business Management Major, BUS 362)
In their own words…
As a result of this experience … “I plan on taking more notice to the current problems that are
prevalent in today's society. I also plan on keeping in touch with the director of the North Canton
Heritage Society.” (Junior, Accounting Major, BUS 362)
Fall 2013

5. Office of Service Learning
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EDUC 206 - Individuals with Exceptionalities (Jennifer Webb and Anne Marie Snyder)
This course is designed to heighten awareness and increase understanding
regarding those individuals in our communities and schools with various
exceptionalities, including specific disabilities and cultural differences. The course
provides a knowledge base for examination of one’s own perceptions and those of
society in general while studying historical and current trends for education and lifelong issues. Education majors dedicate 10 hours of service to Canton City schools,
working directly with students with disabilities or addressing issues of diversity.
In their own words…
As a result of this experience… “I will plan on working harder to make sure that every student
achieves in the classroom. “ (Sophomore, AYA Social Studies Education Major, EDU 206)
In their own words…
“It allowed me to show who I am and what the real world will look like.” (Junior, Education major, EDU 206)
EDUC 354 – Reading in the Content Area (Melinda Sales)
This course provides a survey of principles, strategies and practical
techniques used to assist students to deal effectively with reading
and study materials in the content areas. Students serve in
classrooms with students in need of supportive reading instruction.
The course stresses the fact that reading is foundational for all
content areas and teachers.
In their own words…
As a result of this experience I plan to… “Continue with service learning projects. It made me
become more aware of some educational needs in the community and I hope to help more
causes” (Junior, Middle Childhood Education: Math and English Major, EDU 354)
In their own words…
“The strategies learned are very helpful and will be able to be applied in the future” (Senior,
Education, EDU 354)
Fall 2013

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ENG 102E – Reading and Writing Connections (Dr. Mary Giffin)
Serving in the community is combined with the academic objectives of this
course in English composition. Students served as mentors and tutors for
young learners at Belden Elementary School in downtown Canton. Writing
assignments for the course were developed from topics that arose during
students time in the community. Students then shared their new knowledge
and perspectives in individual letters to the editor sent to the Canton
Repository, discussing their points of view regarding their research topic.
In their own words…
“Changed my thoughts on inner city schools and possibly consider working in that type of
environment.” (Senior, Education and History Major, ENG 102)
In their own words…
“I learned a lot about myself and my community” (Freshman, pre-physical therapy major, ENG 102)
NURS 420 – Nursing with Aggregates (Larry Mustafaga)
With an emphasis on community as client, students learn to address community
health issues, which requires meeting the needs of individuals, families and
aggregates who are the nucleus of community. The students apply principles from
epidemiology, research, health education, and public health to appraise the health
risks and resources of a selected faith community partner. Also, students familiarize
themselves with community resources directed at promoting, maintaining, restoring,
and reorganizing the health of various at-risk aggregates. Students collaborate with
key partners to implement congregational health ministries relevant to that faith
community.
In their own words…
“It helps to better understand the needs and problems that our communities have.”
(Senior, Nursing Major, NURS 420)
In their own words…
“Gives you a chance to connect with the community and understand how everything is
connected.” (Senior, Nursing Major, NURS 420)
Fall 2013

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NURS 425 – Nursing with Families II (Patricia Flanagan)
This course focuses on learning communication and therapeutic nursing
interventions with children and families as the client. This semester students
worked in teams to develop a Family Health Fair at Lehman Middle School in
conjunction with Parent Teacher Conferences. Theoretical and empirical
knowledge from the sciences and liberal arts is integrated to form the basis for
interacting with families and children within a family-centered care framework.
Cultural values and socioeconomic conditions are studied in relation to
health related behaviors of families within a general systems framework.
In their own words…
“Going out into the community to serve others gives you greater respect for the community and
teaches you that there is more to life.” (Senior, Nursing major, NURS 425)
In their own words…
“It was very beneficial and it made me feel like I made a difference in the community.”
(Senior, Nursing Major, NURS 425)
SOC 213 – Sociology of Growing Up (Dr. Laci Fiala)
Walsh students worked with children at a variety of community organizations,
including Belden Elementary, Salvation Army, and Boys and Girls Club of Massillon.
They served as mentors and tutors, as well as facilitated after-school activities. These
community experiences complimented the course material exploring sociological
issues, theories, and research on childhood and adolescence and examining the
social worlds provided for and created by children and adolescents. A variety of
topics were covered, including the history of childhood and adolescence, peer
cultures, educational problems such as achievement and violence, the impact of
family change and problems, poverty and quality of life, teen pregnancy, and
policies and programs that impact children.
In their own words…
“The experience was extremely beneficial. It allowed me to experience the course content for
myself. It is one thing to simply read about something in a textbook but to actually experience it for
yourself is a completely different thing. In my opinion, that is when the best and most effective
learning takes place. Overall this opportunity was amazing for the simple reason that it opened my
eyes to how the course content really plays out in life. It allowed for me to make real world
connections of my own.” (Sophomore, Sociology/Criminal Justice Major, SOC 213)
Fall 2013

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THEO 309 – Principles of Peace and Justice (Dr. Joe Torma)
Students in this course consider principles of peace and justice
through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Dr. Torma advocates
that education in social thought needs to be coupled with
experience in order to be fully understood and transformational. As
stated in Justice in the World, “This education…comes through action,
participation, and vital contact with the reality of injustice” (53). This
Fall students selected sites based on the sites ability to provide
opportunities for students to learn about and critically analyze issues in
our social system. Students provided a minimum of 20 hours of service
with partners such as: Refuge of Hope, Partners Against Trafficking of
Humans, Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club, and JRC.
In their own words…
“I learned more in this course than any other class I have taken so far.” (Sophomore, BAMA
program, THEO 309)
In their own words…
“In this class you will learn a lot about yourself plus you will be able to help others in the community.
Also, this class teaches you how to cooperate with others in the real world by treating everyone as if
a family would.” (Senior, Pre-Physical Therapy/Biology Major, THEO 309)
In their own words…
“I plan to participate in more community activities in the future. This was a life changing
experience.” (Junior, Biology/Pre-Physical Therapy Major, THEO 309)
THEO 408 – The Good Life (Dr. Chad Gerber) *Service-Learning By Arrangement
This course closely investigates theories of human happiness, with particular
attention to Western traditions in which this universally desired state is understood in
terms of lifelong flourishing or fulfillment and identified with the life of faith and/or
virtue. Service-Learning students had the opportunity to examine the practice of
service to others through individual service experiences in the community.
In their own words…
“I would like to continue doing community service on a regular basis. It has helped me to work on
my personal goals and treatment of others and I like the person who I am when I am serving others”
(Senior, Biology-Pre-Dental major, THEO 408)
Fall 2013

9. Office of Service Learning
LOOKING FORWARD | LIVING OUR MISSION
As we continue to develop “Leaders in Service” at Walsh the Office of Service
Learning is working to develop new partnerships in the community, designing new
courses, as well as new engagement opportunities for students across disciplines.
Some exciting developments that are in the works include:
 A new Student Service Leaders program that will launch in Spring 2014, in
partnership with The Office of Financial Aid. Students selected for this
program will be employed by the Office of Service-Learning and will work at
key service-learning sites such as Belden Elementary and Salvation Army,
providing direct service to students, as well as support for program staff.
Students will also attend a monthly civic leadership workshop and provide
support for new volunteers in service-learning classes at these partner sites.
This is an exciting new program that will allow us to deepen the impact of our
community partnerships and better prepare students for service.

New opportunities for faculty development,
including increased technology tools for
course orientation and reflection, as well as
the Spring 2014 Service-Learning Boot Camp
for faculty interested in service-learning. This
boot camp will be a full-day community
immersion where faculty participants will
explore Canton, meet with community
partners, and provide direct service, while
integrating key principles of service-learning
such as critical reflection. Each participant will
leave with an individual service-learning
action plan for future course development or re-design.

The Office of Service-Learning is also a proud collaborator with the new
Blouin Leadership and Social Justice Learning Community which will begin
recruiting its first cohort in Spring 2014. This program, housed in the Division of
Social and Behavioral Sciences, will provide the opportunity for this
community of students to take courses together and participate in direct
service to the community, while exploring issues of social justice and
leadership for social change.
In their own words…
“I think that it is an important part of the Walsh mission. I am glad to be a part of it.”
(Sophomore, ECIS - Early Childhood Intervention Specialist Major, EDU 206)
Fall 2013
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OFFICE OF SERVICE-LEARNING SUPPORTERS
Service-Learning Faculty - A sincere thank you to each of the faculty highlighted in
this report who dedicated time and energy to engage their students in powerful
and transformative ways in our local community. Through challenging and critical
conversations about complex issues and endless encouragement, it is our servicelearning faculty that work to bring learning to life for our students.
Community Partners – Service-learning experiences are rooted in strong community
partnerships and we are fortunate to have a community of outstanding non-profit
organizations, schools, and civic leaders who invest time and wisdom working with
each of our service-learning students. Our community partners are truly coeducators and help us to fulfill our important mission.
Holly Brown – from participation in service-learning roundtable events and classes,
to the support of day to day operations, Holly is an incredible support to the Office
of Service-Learning, in addition to the multitude of other hats that she wears. I am so
grateful for your enthusiasm for service and the role modeling and mentoring that
you provide to each of our students.
Dr. Ute Lahaie – many thanks for your guidance and support throughout the
semester. Your passion for student success and encouragement to explore and
support new ideas is so appreciated!
In their own words…
“I now realize that I have a responsibility to do what I can in order to help those who are in need. I
need to remind myself that what I do might not ultimately change the world, but I can make an
impact on people's lives”. (Junior, Biology Pre-Physical Therapy, THEO 309)
In their own words…
“This was truly a life changing experience. I would recommend service learning to all students. Some
of the relationships that I formed with some of the kids I will remember for the rest of my life. The
opportunity to spend time with the kids, make a difference in their lives, and just get to know them
was truly rewarding. (Sophomore, Sociology/Criminal Justice Major, SOC 213)
Fall 2013