The Importance of Infrastructure for Support for Community Based Learning

Abstract

The Community Based Learning (CBL) Certificate and the Civic Honors Program provide unique opportunities for students to receive college credit for their civic participation. The authors describe these programs and the historical and administrative changes at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, which created an environment for their development and support. This support includes recruiting administrators and faculty who support CBL, developing an infrastructure to recruit students into these programs, building relationships with community partners, and providing training and professional development to faculty. Collaborations with the volunteer and career centers and clarification of roles have contributed to cooperation across university programs. Descriptions of promising practices in developing community partners and connecting with community resources are offered. Future challenges to expand CBL and credit faculty for their engagement efforts are discussed.