The Service Learning Assistants program empowers exceptional student-leaders to helps the Center for Public Service to ensure every service-learning project is transformative, meaningful and reciprocal. Service Learning Assistants (SLA) are paid student leaders who help coordinate and support service learning courses at Tulane. SLAs are typically assigned to support 2-3 service learning courses per semester, working with faculty, students and community partners with planning, presentations, orientations, reflections and logistics.
Service Learning Assistants work approximately 12 hours a week based on individual schedules and course assignments. Those hours include:
- Supporting service learning courses (through presentations, orientations, leading trips, meeting with students, faculty and partners, etc.) (4-5 hours)
- Meetings with students, meeting with course coordinators (4-5 hours)
- Developing special projects and programs (as available)
- Participating in weekly leadership development workshops (90 minutes) comprised of four unique modules: Leadership, Professional Development, Equity and Inclusion, and Community Building
Typical SLA duties and responsibilities include:
- Delivering presentations on the purpose, logistics and context of service-learning
- Leading in-class and on-site orientations with the community partner
- Assisting with the coordination of student placements
- Ongoing problem-solving, mentoring and logistical support for student peers
- Collecting and documenting of relevant service learning course documents (acknowledgement forms, timesheets, etc.)
- Assisting with reflection activities (planning and/or facilitating)
- Analyzing mid and end of semester evaluations from community partners, students, and faculty
SLAs do not enroll in the class they are supporting; availability to visit the class a few times over the semester is ideal but not required. Duties and responsibilities may vary according to course needs, special projects, student strengths and strategic priorities.
The program is open to Tulane undergraduate students. Both work-study and non-work-study positions are available. Candidates can apply directly or can be nominated using the online nomination form by faculty member, staff, community partner, or peer.
Students who wish to participate must:
- submit a complete and accurate resume and application;
- have completed the first tier of the public service graduation requirement or demonstrate experience in service learning or community service; and
- commit to participate in required orientation and ongoing training, and to stay with the program until graduation.
Service Learning Assistants are expected to be available the week prior to Fall classes for intensive training where they will learn about their roles and responsibilities relative to service learning coordination. Throughout their first semester, they will be assigned an introductory course load and will grow in their understanding of the programs and services that the Center offers by also maintaining office hours and working on side projects. By their second semester, they will be fully trained and ready to take on more service learning class assignments and/or support projects.
