FAQ (Student)

1. What is the S-L Graduation Requirement?

Starting from the 2016-17 intake of first year students, Service-Learning (S-L) became a graduation requirement. To fulfil the S-L graduation requirement, each student is required to participate in at least ONE course with a S-L element before graduation.

 

2. How can I fulfil the S-L Graduation Requirement?

In order to fulfil the S-L requirement, students have to:

• complete the required S-L experience (including 30 service and training hours) as confirmed by the Course Instructor;
• submit all relevant S-L documents; and
• pass the course.

 

3. How can I join S-L projects? 

Register and attend the first lecture of courses with S-L experiences and choose the projects that interest you.

 

4. How do I register for a specific S-L project?

Besides signing up for the course, you also need to register for a specific S-L project through the online system between September 8, 10am and September 9, 4pm More information on the registration procedure can be found here.

 

5. Is the workload demanding in S-L projects?

It depends. S-L is different from the traditional learning approach. It is challenging but rewarding. Good planning and division of labor will greatly enhance work efficiency.

 

6. How many training and service hours are needed and what will be included?

This can vary; in general, at least 30 training and service hours in total are needed to complete a S-L course:

•  Training and Orientation specifically provided by the Agency
• Preparation meetings for service
• Consultation meetings
• Actual service hours (direct and indirect service)
• Report back celebration (if any)

 

7. Can I join more than one S-L project within a semester?

Yes, but you need to have good time management and balance of work. Check and arrange the practicum time carefully to avoid time conflict between different S-L projects.

 

8. Do I need to attend the tutorials of the course if I join the S-L project?

 It depends on the course, so please ask your course instructor about the tutorial and S-L project requirements.

 

9. How do I know if I have completed the S-L graduation requirement?

At the end of each term, you can check the updated record in Degree Works to ensure the fulfilment of the S-L graduation requirement.

 

10. Can I fulfill the S-L graduation requirement during my (overseas) exchange?

In order to use a course taken at another university during your exchange to fulfill the Service-Learning graduation requirement, this course needs to meet the following requirements:

• The course needs to be for-credit (non-credit bearing courses, extra-curricular activities, etc. cannot be used to fulfill the S-L graduation requirement)
• The course needs to include at least 30 hours of Service-Learning (including service and training hours), as confirmed by the exchange institution's course instructor
• Students who are on exchange still need to do a pre and post-course questionnaire and track hours using Social Career in order to fulfill the S-L graduation requirement using a course at the exchange institute.
• Fulfilling the S-L graduation requirement during your exchange needs to be approved by Lingnan University. As the approver varies according to your study programme, please contact osl@ln.edu.hk to ask for more information concerning the S-L graduation requirement before you start the course at the exchange university

 

11. How can I learn/perform better in an S-L project?

There are four steps:

• Prepare (e.g. set goals and do research) and actively participate (raise questions) in the agency orientation and training;
• Discuss with your team about anticipated difficulties and possible solutions before the practicum;
• Communicate with the Agency Supervisors to agree on service needs and execution during the service practicum;
• Do reflection and evaluation throughout the process.

 

12. Where can I find more information and resources about S-L?

About S-L and projects:

• Visit OSL website (www.ln.edu.hk/osl) for publications with previous projects' information (i.e. reports, products);
• Visit students’ work products in the OSL library; and
• Invite your Service-Learning Teaching Assistant to share their experience.

About service targets and agencies:

• Research for related books, journals, and online materials;
• Consult with the agencies during the orientation visit and throughout the programme.

About updated information and arrangement:

• Talk to agencies, the respective OSL Coordinator, and the Course Instructors directly.

 

13. What can I gain in joining S-L projects?

Experiences, skills, and friendship!

S-L experiences credit your ability and will help with your career path. Also, you will be considered favourably in your application to various S-L related programmes, such as the Mainland and International Service-Learning Programs (MISLP) and S-L conferences.

 

14. Who should I contact if I have questions?
You are not alone! Contact the related person for support:

• Academic and course related: the Course Instructor and the respective Teaching Assistant (TA);
• S-L project arrangement: the respective OSL Coordinator, the respective TA, and/or Course Instructor;
• Service Practicum Arrangement: the Agency Supervisor and representatives.

 

15. How do I submit my service hours, reimbursement form, and peer evaluation form?

Please download and complete the S-L Activity Attendance Record Sheet and upload it to the Posttest questionnaire. In addition, please download and complete the Reimbursement & Allowance Claim Form and send the form with the original receipts with company chops to your S-L Teaching Assistant or S-L Coordinator.  If peer evaluation is needed, you can also download and submit the Peer Evaluation Form to your S-L coordinator. 

 

16. If my question is not on the FAQ list, how do I get them answered?
(1) Visit our Facebook at www.facebook.com/LingnanOSL
(2) Contact Us: 2616 8073 or osl@ln.edu.hk