What Is a Community Based Learning Course?

An increasing number of courses at Notre Dame are designated as Community-Based Learning or CBL. This means that in addition to your usual course readings and assignments, you will be asked to volunteer your time and energy to a local social service agency or community organization. But this experience will not be like the community service hours that you might have logged in the past. Your Community-Based Learning placement will give you opportunities to use your individual talents, skills, and interests to help fulfill a specific need at the community organization. In some cases, you might take a leadership role in planning or organizing a project or event. In other situations, you will work closely with staff members. To put it simply, you will usually have more responsibility in a CBL placement than in typical community service opportunities. You will also be focused on fulfilling a specific goal or need. Back in the classroom, your personal experiences will form a central source of analysis - right alongside course readings, labs, or problem sets. Some call this "active learning."

Why is the Center for Social Concerns Involved?

The Center for Social Concerns is interested in providing meaningful ways for Notre Dame students to "live the mission" of the University. The Center has long-standing relationships with social service agencies and community organizations in South Bend where Notre Dame students can find rich volunteer opportunities.

"The University of Notre Dame seeks to cultivate in its students not only an appreciation for the great achievements of human beings but also a disciplined sensibility to the poverty, injustice ad oppression that burden the lives of so many. Tha aim is to create a sense of human solidarity and concern for the common good that will bear fruit as learning becomes service to justice."
-- from Notre Dame's mission statement

"The Center for Social Concerns facilitates comunity-based learning, research and service infomed by Catholic Social Tradition. Through the Center, learning becomes service to justice."
" -- from the Center's mission statement

Where Can I Learn More?

"Alternative Teaching Methods Increase" article about CBL in The Observer

Notre Dame Center for Social Concerns website

LOGAN Volunteer Application

Transportation information

What Is LOGAN?

LOGAN is a nonprofit community organization committed to supporting people with disabilities in achieving their desired quality of life. A visual representation of LOGAN's Mission is below.

LOGAN offers a range of services to meet the needs and interests of individuals in the following areas: Pediatric therapies, recreation, residential services, employment, vocational training, protective services, social skills training and community habilitation.

How Can I Be Involved?

• If you are enrolled in a course or personal study with a CBL requirement, complete a LOGAN Application and email Shelly Zabukovic, Community-Based Learning Coordinator at LOGAN, to arrange an interview.
• Receive your LOGAN CBL placement. Work hard at your placement while searching for ways to integrate your work in the classroom and your volunteer service.
• Pay attention for periodic emails from me that provide scheduling changes and event information, questions for reflection, and upcoming events.