The Service Learning Initiative will celebrate experiential learning throughout the month of March. Since its founding in 2014, SLI has supported faculty, students and community partners by designating courses as Service Learning through a committee-led process. To commemorate a decade of service, SLI will host two exciting events and present at the TFSC Kickoff, highlighting the importance of experiential learning. 

TFSC Kickoff: March 4 at 12:30 p.m. and March 5 at noon, CORD 349 
Organized by the Teaching and Faculty Support Center, the New Faculty Workshops provide valuable insights for new faculty members. Dr. Lisa Bowers, director of the Service-Learning Initiative, will open the series with a brief introduction on the benefits of Service Learning.

Outstanding Contributions to Service Learning Awards: March 10, 8:30-9:30 a.m., GEAR 130 (Honors Lounge) 
This annual ceremony honors outstanding faculty, students and classes with certificates recognizing their exceptional contributions to Service Learning. Nominations come from Service Learning committee members, instructors, students and community partners.

Awardees include: 

• Outstanding Contributions to Service Learning Teaching Award: Amelia McGowan, assistant professor and director of the Immigration Clinic, recognized for her advocacy and scholarship in asylum law, particularly within the inter-American context. 

• Outstanding Contributions to Service Learning Undergraduate Student Award: Carson Lambert, recognized for excellence in a marketing campaign and exceptional peer reviews. 

• Outstanding Contributions to Service Learning Graduate Award: Baylee Nix, Madi Hight, Makenzie Bradford and Maggie Tabor, recognized for their outstanding contributions to client-centered care in occupational therapy. 

• Outstanding Contributions to Service Learning Class Award: Anne Velliquette's Integrated Marketing Communications class, recognized for providing invaluable hands-on experience with community partners like Hormel, helping students build skills and prepare for their careers. 

• Outstanding Contributions to Service Learning Community Partner Award: EMPOWER (Educate, Motivate, Prepare, Opportunity, Workplace readiness, Employment, Responsibility), recognized for their role as a community partner in Jacquelyn Mosely's Multicultural Families course and their commitment to creating mutually beneficial, successful partnerships. 

Please RSVP for the Outstanding Contributions to Service Learning Awards by March 1. Faculty, students, staff and community partners are all welcome. Breakfast will be provided! 

Community Partner Celebration: March 20, 4-6 p.m, Bailey Center, Mount Sequoyah 
This evening celebration will honor community partners who have collaborated with U of A faculty to create meaningful experiential learning opportunities for students. The event will feature food, fun and a chance to connect with those who make a difference in students' learning experiences. 

Please RSVP for the Community Partner Celebration by Feb. 24. Free childcare will be available! 

Stay up to date with the latest Service Learning news by following us on social media at @UARKSL. To join the SLI ListServ, contact the Service Learning coordinator, Noelle Kingsbauer, at svclrn01@uark.edu.