As we begin the Fall 2020 semester, I would like to remind our faculty about support available for Community Learning courses that engage students and Hartford community partners in mutually beneficial projects, including those that can be done remotely. These courses provide opportunities for experiential learning and develop collaborative, perspective-building relationships with individuals and organizations in Hartford.
Should Your Course be Designated Community Learning?
Community Learning courses can ask students to engage in direct service (volunteering or participant observation), create information products (brochures, infographics, maps, databases, web pages, social media graphics, short videos), or conduct research for an organization. You can view examples of past projects here. If you wish to discuss your course, including ideas for remote work, or if you need to add or remove your course from this list of Fall Community Learning courses, please contact [email protected].
How to Reserve up to $500 in Community Learning Course Assistance Funds (by Friday Sept. 18th)
Each semester Community Learning offers faculty up to $500 of expense funding for each Community Learning course. Allowable expenses include: stipends for community partners or guest speakers, books and instructional materials, printing costs, video or photography equipment or services, hourly wages for teaching assistants, and other expenses with approval.
To reserve your funds:
- Step 1: Notify us in advance by filling out the Community Learning fund reservation form by Friday Sept. 18th which will allow us to plan the budget accordingly. If you do not submit a reservation form in advance, we may not be able to fund your course.
- Step 2 – Email a one-paragraph description of the Community Learning component of your course and a copy of your syllabus for approval to [email protected].
- Step 3 – At any point now through one month after the end of the semester, send Erica Crowley your receipts or other documents needed for reimbursement or disbursement of the funds (more information about the reimbursement process can be found here).
Other Questions about Community Learning or Hartford engagement?
I am available to help you develop ideas for community learning partnerships and assignments, even if you are teaching remotely. Send me an email with your questions or send me 2-3 dates/times you are available for a phone or Zoom call. I am excited to take on this role in Community Learning and I would love to hear about your ideas for courses you plan to offer in Fall, J-Term, or Spring. You can also see information about other programs within the Center for Hartford Engagement & Research (CHER) here.
For more information contact Community Learning Director [email protected]
