FAQ
FAQs for potential partners
Community partners are nonprofit organizations, public agencies, government offices, schools, or private business that have completed the site visit form and have an executed the University organization agreement.
The site assessment form is used to determine if there are any issues or risks at the Site that might cause student health and safety concerns. The form is specific to a particular site or location of an organization. If an organization has more than one location, a site assessment form will have to be completed for each location where a student is being sent.
All organizations, regardless of organization type, will submit the same for each location.
The organization agreement is used to ensure the organization and the University are aware of their respective responsibilities for the Community Learning Opportunity component of the course or activity. The organization agreement's provisions include, but are not limited to, the statement of purpose of the agreement, the structure and support of students, the term length of the agreement, considerations of FERPA and other confidentiality issues, general provisions (including insurance and liability requirements), and other considerations specific to student placement. The organization agreement is usually for a five-year term.
The organization agreement varies by organization type and must be submitted online. For more details, please see our page for new community partners.
Internship
An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent. (Source: Position Statement: U.S. Internships)
Learn more about internships at the Nevada Career Studio.
Community-engaged learning
Community-engaged learning is a course or competency-based, credit-bearing educational experience in which students do the following:
- Participate in mutually identified service activities that benefit the community
- Reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of personal values and civic responsibility (Bringle and Clayton, 2012, adapted from Bringle and Hatcher, 1995)
Learn more on the Office of Community-Engaged Learning & Leadership website.
Volunteering
Students who perform some service or good work of their own free will and without pay (Toole and Toole, 1992).
Learn more on the Center for Student Engagement website.
Undergraduate Research – Community-Based Research
Community-based research is an opportunity for students to serve as research consultants with a local organization seeking to improve the life and work of Northern Nevada residents.
Learning more on the undergraduate research website.
If you are unsure what type of engagement will best suit your needs, please contact the Office of Community-Engaged Learning & Leadership at ocell@unr.edu.