Challenges

Some of the challenges to consider

• Each group involved may have unique cultures, styles, backgrounds. University, K-12 schools, Community Partners, Students, Clients served all bring a different set of experiences and expectations and each is important to consider and balance with the others.
• There are unique and sometimes conflicting schedules: University (Semester), Partners (Year), Student Schedules
• Preferred forms of communication may cause a challenge. The most efficient method of communication for a faculty member may not be the best form of communication for a community partner.  For example, not everyone regularly use e-mail.
• Are there different rules and norms on-campus, in your class and/or at the student's service site? Carefully consider issues like confidentiality, expectations, policies, risk acceptance/aversion.
• Where is the power and control held? Is leadership shared between the faculty member, community partner and even the student? Are credit and recognition shared?  For example, if a professor writes a paper on their service-learning experience, is the community partner cited as a contributor?