Faculty Resources

Community-Based Learning Consultations

Community-based learning plays a central role at UP and is integrated into courses across the curriculum. Faculty have established and nurtured long-standing partnerships and opportunities for engaged learning with a variety of schools and non-profits in the Portland Metro area.

For faculty who are interested in learning more about how to add a community-based learning component to a course or connect with local non-profits, the Moreau Center staff is eager to provide support. We can share sample syllabi, point you in the direction of helpful resources, and explore ideas for how students can engage through our existing partnerships or through the development of new partnerships.

Some of the ways we have worked with faculty in the past include: 

• Making introductions to community organizations
• Providing consultation on the design of projects or assignments to meet community-identified needs
• Providing class presentations on community engagement opportunities
• Providing helpful hints to students for finding meaningful service opportunities
• Offering guidance for how to enter and exit communities with respect and humility
• Co-leading reflections on community engagement or social justice

If you are interested in exploring community-based learning opportunities for your students or collaborating with the Moreau Center in some way, please contact us at 503.943.7132 (x7132) or moreaucenter@up.edu. To request support for a specific course, please be in touch at least one month before the semester begins.

Immersion Accompaniers

Faculty and staff are important partners with our immersion experiences in the role of accompaniers. Immersions are three-day to three-week experiences that allow students to engage issues of social justice by being immersed with communities locally, domestically, or internationally. Most immersions include opportunities for direct service, and all invite students to hear diverse perspectives that can expand their understanding of critical social issues.

The immersion accompanier opportunity is open to University of Portland faculty or staff members in full-time, exempt positions who have a commitment to service and community engagement, a desire to encourage student formation, and a willingness to live simply while immersed in an extended experience with students.

More information on participating as an Immersion Accompanier.