Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning

CCE supports all types of community-engaged learning that take place with community organizations, like internships, client-based class projects, community service, student teaching, service trips, and/or field experience.

Visit our Student Page for USM Community-Engaged Learning 
See a list of community-engaged courses at USM

The CCE:  

·      Provides suggestions and connections to community agencies (some are online)

·      Can help with event logistics 

·      Coordinates networking opportunities between faculty

·      Provides information on student community engagement and service opportunities

Service Learning 

Service-learning is distinct from other community-engaged learning practices. It embeds service into academic classes and meets USM's criteria for service-learning. CCE provides curricular support for service-learning at USM. 

Interdisciplinary Investigations Research Series

The II Research Series provides funding on a two-year cycle for faculty and community members to work collaboratively to produce research or creative work that addresses community challenges or effects social change. 

• Year 1
  • Summer/Fall: Participating faculty develop strategic partnerships, research questions, and research plans.
  • Spring: Faculty team-teach a section of IDS 350 Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies on methods of community-engaged research.
• Year 2
  • Summer/Fall: Four undergraduate researchers selected as Engaged Scholars to work alongside faculty as they conduct research and analysis.
  • Spring/Summer: Researchers complete data collection/analysis and submit results to the community partner. Engaged Scholar students present research project at Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Read about the 2022-24 II Research Series

Community-Engaged Research

Community-based research involves university and community members working collaboratively to conduct research for “the purpose of solving a pressing community problem or effecting social change” (Community-Based Research and Higher Education, Strand et al., 2004, p.3). Collaborations should incorporate best practices and principles of campus-community partnerships (such as those outlined in CCPH’s Principles of Partnership.)

 

Citizen Scholars Program

Students who earn 100+ service hours, participate in a community-engaged learning experience, and complete a reflective exit interview will be recognized as a Southern Miss Citizen Scholar and receive a medallion. 

Non-Profit Internships or Practicums

The Center for Community Engagement encourages college students at USM to apply for an internship with a non-profit organization. A non-profit internship is an ideal way to gain useful and transferrable skills while working with an organization that promotes positive social change.

Nonprofit internships satisfy internship requirements for several majors and minors at USM, including the Human Rights minor, Interdisciplinary Studies, Social Work, and Nonprofit Studies.

USM's Center for Pathways Experiences connects students to internship opportunities across the country. 

Nonprofits interested in learning more about creating internships or posting opportunities should email christy.kayser@usm.edu. 

Conville Service-Learning Development Award 

The Richard L. Conville and Mozella P. Conville Center for Community Engagement Fund for Excellence provides one $2,000 grant each year to past graduates of USM’s Faculty Fellow Seminar on Service-Learning for: 

• Developing or re-designing a service-learning class
• Conducting or developing community-engaged or service-learning research
• Collaborating on an inter-collegiate service-learning initiative
• Advancing and promoting service-learning at USM
• Integrating service-learning into a college or department degree plan