Our Philosophy - Colorado College

Mission:

The Center for Service and Learning was created to promote an ethic of service and to develop civic-minded leadership among all members of the college community. Our purpose is to recognize and understand the civic and social challenges of our world and to act with others in pursuit of a just society.

Philosophy:

The Center for Service and Learning at Colorado College believes that all citizens in a democratic society have a civic responsibility to the communities in which they reside. In order to support and guide our campus community in meaningful community service, The Center’s work is guided by the following statements of philosophy:

• Commitment to a lifelong ethic of service and learning

• Promote the growth and development of students in their academic, social and service endeavors.

• Foster student initiative and leadership.

• Seek to balance the interests and perspectives of Colorado College, the Center for Service and Learning, community partners and students in all that we do.

• Provide a full range of service opportunities, based on a developmental continuum of responsibility and experience.

• Promote orientation, training and reflection in every service experience.

• Support accessibility to all Center programs and opportunities by all students, regardless of financial resources.

• Value the process of creating “community” in all service opportunities.

• Believe the “group” experience is integral part to the service experience. Students travel as a group, lodge together, volunteer together, and play together for the duration of the experience.

• Support and advocate for service among all members of the college community.

• Programs, activities, events are open to all members of the campus community.

Center's Best Practices

• Travel to service ratios and the staff to student ratios are important considerations in program planning and development.
• All students participating in service uphold national and state laws and the policies and procedures of Colorado College.
• CSL Policy - Use of alcohol and/or drugs are not appropriate during service-related events, programs, or activities -- regardless of age, location or situation. Many if not all of the social issues that volunteers address are impacted to some extent by the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (either directly or indirectly). If we are to be truly committed to helping those who are experiencing obstacles and difficulties in their lives, we do not want to be a part of something that enslaves and oppresses so many people in our society.
• CC policy - All drivers must be certified by CC transportation Services and follow all Center Transportation Guidelines.
• Risk and Release/Waivers for all volunteer participants must be on file with the Center before engaging in service.
• Support a cooperative model of leadership; co-leadership supports the demands of the block plan.
• Encourage students to consider options and consequences in the decision-making process.
• Promote an advisory role with student initiatives, yet reserve the right to intervene when we feel the best interests of the college, the Center or the community may be jeopardized or compromised.
• Students are encouraged to be creative, limit costs, and seek multiple-funding options in establishing service programs, activities, or events.
• Promote an ethic of philanthropy among students.
• Recommend a buddy system at all times in all aspects of service endeavors.
• Priority is always given to partnerships with organizations that serve low-income or otherwise disadvantaged groups.
• If a student driver receives a traffic ticket, they are responsible for paying it in full – ie. speeding, parking.
• If a student driver is in an accident that results in the $500 deductible the College’s insurance charges, the CSL will pay $250 of the deductible and the leaders of the organization, along with the driver, will determine how the remaining $250 will be paid – ie. the student will pay the $250, the student organization budget will absorb the $250, some combination of the two, etc.