Service Learning

Service Learning at TAMIU is an educational experience in which students participate in a credit earning course paired with an organized community service. The program runs under Service Learning coordinator and Program Director Dr. Marcela Uribe. The purpose of the program is to give students a more significant importance and understanding of what it is to obtain a college degree. It is also an opportunity for students to see how their careers will be once they graduate. Uribe reiterates that the benefits of taking a service learning course are endless. She explains that students will perform guided reflections to enhance comprehension of the course content. As well as the integration of academic and service concepts, where they can also develop civic/social justice responsibility.

Uribe explains, "That this semester is officially the first semester that the university has service learning classes." She also mentioned, "that only those students taking the course are allowed to gain the credit for the course and the opportunity to have hands on experience. "

As of this semester, there are five services learning classes.Dance and Children DANCE 1100, who is taught by Ms. Andrea Vazquez and it's in coordination with South Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (STCADA. Literature and Film ENGL 2365, who is imparted by Ms. Angela Moran and it's in collaboration with the Literacy Volunteers of Laredo. Foundation of Leadership UNIV 2301, who is instructed by Dr. Barbara Baker and Dr. Carol Waters, and it's in alliance with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Language Arts in Spanish EDBE 4336, who is educated by Dr. Sergio Garza and it's paired with the Mexican Consulate/Plazas Communitarias. Literary Criticism ENGL 5350 who is taught by Dr. Cristina Garrigos and its coordination with the Teatro Chicano of Laredo and The Laredo Little Theater.

Although Service Learning is a developing program it plans expending. Uribe states that she would like to, "extend an invitation to the entire faculty who is interested in integrating service learning into their course" to contact her. She also asks, that student ask for their faculty for something "different." In addition, Uribe invites the community organizations that might be interested in paring with the university to contact her so that other organizations and courses can be integrated into the program.

Dr. Marcel Uribe may be contacted at (956) 326-2446 or at marcela.uribe@tamiu.edu. You may also visit the Service Learning website: www.tamiu.edu/service-leaning.

( Evelyn Camero may be contacted at evelyn_camero@dusty.tamiu.edu)