What to Expect

In-person projects

We offer multiple service learning projects each semester. Learn more about each project, including associated activities, background, images, maps and driving directions. Participation in the entire project is required to receive full participation credit.

Before the event

Registration: Registration opens early in the semester and events fill rapidly. Projects are frequently done in environmentally sensitive areas, therefore participation is limited. Participants are accepted in the order registered, so you must sign up in advance. Please note that projects often fill to capacity quickly. To register, use the Register link on the Service Learning drop-down menu (or to the left on this web page) to reserve your place—each project is listed individually in the drop down menu. Please register for only one project even if you are in multiple classes that offer this option. You must enter in your university username for registration. Click on the Project Registration Confirmation tab on the left to view a partial listing of your registration information.

Registration cancellation: Please only register for one event. Please notify the service learning coordinator via email (cees@iu.edu) to change or cancel registration information. If you must cancel, please notify the Assistant Director of CEES in advance of the project so that you can be placed in another open project, if desired, and to allow others to use your reserved slot. You will lose priority for future service learning events at CEES if you do not show up for the project and do not give advanced notice to reschedule.

Assumption of risk and photo release form: (submit during registration) Prior to attending the work day, all students must fill out and save the Assumption of Risk & Photo Release Form. Fill out the form, print it, and bring the competed form with you the day of the project. There will be additional forms on hand the day of the project.

Day of the event

Statement of working conditions: Projects are conducted in the out-of-doors within natural areas of central Indiana. Project partners include Indy Parks and Recreation, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Central Indiana Land Trust, the City of Indianapolis, and IU Indianapolis Campus Facility Services among others. Project activities differ for each project location but will include data collection, removing invasive exotic plant species, installing native plants, mulching, trash and recycling removal, and hillslope stabilization / erosion control. Project activities are similar to moderate yard work. For example, participants will carry and stack branches / trash bags, walk through woods, carry and plant small trees. Equipment, gloves, and drinking water are provided for all work days. Lunch is provided for those work days that extend to five hours.

Appropriate attire: Participants must dress appropriately for the weather. Wear long pants, wear or bring long-sleeved top/jacket and wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes. No Shorts, Sandals, Crocs or Keens.

Water: Staying hydrated is important, especially in warm weather. CEES encourages participants to bring their own reusable bottle filled with water.

Scheduled rain dates: Participants must be available for both the project date and scheduled rain date. All projects are subject to change with weather conditions. If weather conditions are unfavorable for a service learning project, the cancellation notice will be posted by 7 AM of the work day on the service learning web site and emailed to each registered participant; the project will then be held on the scheduled rain date. Please do not call to ask about cancellations. All information can be found on our website. If you do not receive a cancellation notice, the project will be held as scheduled.

Carpooling: We are not able to provide transportation to the project site. Carpooling with classmates is encouraged.

Guest policy: CEES does not allow guests at service learning events. Service learning project work days are an extension of the classroom and campus life. Only those registered for service learning projects may attend the projects. While CEES does not restrict attendance to students in classes officially participating in service learning, and we welcome student volunteers and non-student participants, all participants must register for the project(s) they wish to attend. If space is limited, first priority is given to students in classes participating in service learning. Unregistered guests of registered participants may not participate. NOTE: Persons under the age of 18 may not attend, unless they are IU Indianapolis students.

Accomodations: If you have a disability and need accommodations, please contact us at cees@iu.edu. Please provide us with at least a two week notice of the request before the schedule service learning project.

After the event

End of project summary: Upon completion of each project, all students will be asked to complete a relective essay on site. These will be submitted to instructors and can help students with any papers or project requirements for their respective classes. The essay is not inteneded to replace any instructor assigned requirements.

Instructor assigned reflection/essay: Some instructors require students to write a short reflection, essay or term paper following participation in service learning. As you complete this task, you may find some helpful information on our Topical Resources page.