University of Minnesota, Morris : SEAMS Projects

As of now, there are few assessment tools available for this type of service learning, as it is more of a professional service available to the community. Also, student responses will be within certain restrictions, as the students will not have firsthand awareness of their increased comprehension of the material until they are placed in an atmosphere with others not given these opportunities. The contact with the community in these projects is minimal, as most of the analysis is done behind a computer and in the classroom. Therefore, the following assessment tools will be used.

A. Pre & Post Surveys
 A.1. Students - The very act of assessment may stress the importance of addressed issues to them, and the relation to coursework. It is hoped that these will encourage increased self esteem, a sense of personal power, and increased academic understanding.

 A.2. Faculty - The committed faculty will be able to rate the knowledge gained through these courses, in relation to past courses of the same content, through the professional knowledge which the individual faculty have.

 A.3. Community - Involved community officials will be asked to give their opinion of student contact in relation to awareness, knowledge, and responsibility.

 A.4. University Administration - Surveys will be distributed to the Division of Science & Mathematics Division Chairperson, Admissions Counselors, and Campus Compact to help determine the awareness of Service Learning and it's impact within admissions requests, research sustain ability, and University Mission statements.

B. Future Post-Graduate Surveys
 The distribution of surveys to alumni will include a service learning survey to those who have and have not participated in service learning courses. Examination of graduate placements, job placements, and continued service activity will hold valuable information as to the extent which service learning impacted their education. Since these surveys will be administered approximately every three to five years, there will be a reflective period during which students can examine the strengths and weaknesses of the service learning projects and provide valuable input to assist in the success of future projects.

C. Economic Development
 It is hoped that the generated reports will lead to increased economic development in the low income areas surrounding and including the City of Morris. Examination of job development, business expansion, business relocation, wage increases, employee training, poverty reduction, and decreased social service dependence, in coordination with local development agencies, can provide concrete impact measures for these projects. Also, the number of internet "hits" on the web site can indicate the frequency with which persons are utilizing the generated reports.