Course Development - Community Engaged Learning - Office of Undergraduate Studies

Community Engaged Learning (CEL) designated courses involve experiential learning and have several key components: engage with community to address an unmet societal need; produce mutual benefits for community and students; integrate community engaged work and academic learning objectives; prepare students for engagement; and provide reflection opportunities.

Definition and Learning Outcomes

Apply for CEL Course Designation

CEL Workshops

CEL Fundamentals

CEL Facilitation

Example Documentation

Reflection Resources

Example Syllabus #1

Example Syllabus #2

Liability Waivers

If your students will be working in the field with community partners, per U of U Regulations, they must complete a Liability/Field Trip Waiver Form.

Safety of Minors Background Checks & Policy Compliance

If, as part of your CEL course, some or all of your students will be working with minors, you will need to comply with Safety of Minors policy. There are three components:

Register your class with Youth Protection and Program Support
Have students complete an “Authorized Adult” online training module
Have students complete a background check before any interactions with minors

All relevant details and links can be found on the Policy Information Brochure. You can learn more from the Youth Protection and Program Support website.

Additional Development Resources

Additional CEL course development resources can be found in Campus Compact's Community-Engaged Learning and Teaching Knowledge Hub. This knowledge hub offers a curated listing of resources and readings related to the effective design and facilitation of curricular community-engaged learning experiences that are beneficial to students and community.

You can also make an appointment with the Director of Community Engaged Learning to discuss ideas for CEL courses, review syllabi, or connect with community partners.

Copies of Introduction to service-learning toolkit: Readings and resources for faculty, 2nd edition (2003) and The Craft of Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning: A Guide for Faculty Development Welch, M &, Plaxton-Moore, S (2019) are available in the Community Engaged Learning office (Union Ste 101).