Community Service and Service Learning

Believing in the value of service to others,     we will continue to serve the educational, cultural, and economic needs of Northern California. CSU, Chico, an anchor institution in Northern California, has an outstanding record of collaboration with community and regional partners in education and business. We are also known for our contributions to the fine and performing arts, and our long history of service to the community.

 –From the Strategic Plan for the Future of California State University, Chico

Community Service

The CSU defines community service as “all work or services performed by . . . students that contribute to the quality of life in the community . . . Such work may be voluntary or for pay.” CSU, Chico students have a long and positive history of providing outstanding community service through the Associated Students-sponsored Community Action Volunteers in Education (CAVE)—the largest and oldest community service provider on our campus. Since 1966, CAVE has helped place thousands of students in meaningful volunteer settings. See more information on CAVE in “Belonging.” See also the following table and guide for other commmunity service opportunities.

Service Learning

The CSU defines Service learning (aka community Service learning) as “academic study linked to community service through structured reflection so that each reinforces the other.” Courses with a Service learning (SL) component are designed to teach critical thinking and problem solving as they relate to the real world and the shaping of social policy. SL courses use hands- on experiences in the community to facilitate mastery of the subject matter and a sense of civic responsibility. To find out what SL courses you can take, contact Byron Jackson. See the table for Service learning opportunities.

Why get involved?

Engaging in community service or enrolling in a SL course increases your awareness of the world’s problems and the social policies that are needed to make positive, long-lasting changes in our local and global communities. Getting involved gives you the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life.

It also gives you the opportunity to meet new people, discover new ideas, exercise your talents, and maybe even find a career that you enjoy. Several times during your academic career at Chico State you will be able to participate in a variety of special community service projects or events, such as the Fun Without Alcohol Fair, Bidwell Park Clean-Up Day, or the Campus Blood Drive. These activities do make a difference to our campus and community—a difference from which we can learn how to take care of our community and its people.

Service Awards

In recognition of outstanding service and to remind us of the types of public service that are needed and why, the following annual awards are given: Long’s Award (to a CAVE volunteer), Outstanding Contributions to the University Award (an undergraduate student), the Glenn Kendall Public Service Award (to a graduating senior), the Judy L. Sitton and the Zong-Yi Li Scholarships (to outstanding SIFE students who have demonstrated leadership), and the Outstanding Faculty Service Award (to a faculty member). For more information, contact the Provost’s Office.