Academic Service Learning at Ferris State University
Academic Service Learning (ASL) is a teaching and learning strategy that aligns perfectly with Ferris State University's history of providing a hands on education, increasing opportunities for students and the community. ASL is not a volunteer activity, but an intentional learning strategy that applies both experience and theory during a course curriculum.
The ASL experience must provide a tangible outcome that is mutually beneficial for both the students and the community. It is expected that the outcome for the community will be an outcome it deems as a desired need. The Office of Community Engagement will assist in identifying community need and partners.
ASL Dental Hygiene Project
What Faculty Believe
ASL Supports the Local Community
Academic Service Learning recognizes "the importance of the community to the University and the University to the community."- Dr. Sandy Alspach.
ASL Gives Students the Opportunity for Experiential Learning
When “community partners come to us with a need and we’re able to support that need through our students-it’s a double bonus”. – Dr. Sarah Hinkley
Why it is important to get involved
“Ferris is particularly interested in giving students opportunities to not only learn, but learn how to use what they have learned”. – Dr. Stephanie Thomson