Texas Tech University

Service Learning Faculty Fellows

Supported by the Teaching, Learning and Professional Development Center (TLPDC), the Service Learning Faculty Fellows program fosters a community of scholars who integrate the philosophy, pedagogy, and process of service learning into each component of their professional lives—research, teaching, and service. As is evidenced in the University's Strategic Plan and Mission Statement as well as in programs and recognitions such as the Provost's Integrated Scholars, the Texas Tech community is paying increased attention to the role of civic engagement in the development of our students. The SLFF program naturally embodies the goals and mission of the University and is a wonderful way for faculty to learn more about becoming a truly integrated scholar.

Definition of Service Learning at Texas Tech University

At Texas Tech University, academic service learning is defined as "a pedagogy that links academic study and civic engagement through thoughtfully organized service that meets the needs of the community. This service is structured by and integrated into the academic curriculum, which provides opportunities for students to learn and develop through critical reflection" (TTU Service Learning Advisory Council, 2003).

Program Goals/Framing Questions

Throughout the program, the SLFF will consider and discuss the following questions:

  • What is the impact of service learning on student learning, your teaching methodologies, the community partner, the university, and the community at large?
  • How do you assess the impact of your service learning project in each of the areas listed in the previous question?

Expectations of a SLFF

  • Full attendance and participation in the 2-day SLFF workshop. The Service Learning Faculty Fellows program is a learning experience intended to promote individual service learning skills that will better serve the university. The program requires a time commitment.
  • Submission of an application for a new or re-designed course for "S" designation. Faculty who have been approved for "S" designation within the past academic year are eligible to participate as a fellow. "S" designation applications will be completed during the 2-day SLFF workshop.
    • Find more information here about the "S" designation application and process.
  • After successful completion of the program, former SLF fellows will be eligible to apply for the following funding opportunities.
  • Promotion of service learning and/or your service learning project at on-campus events such as departmental meetings, TLPDC workshops, etc.
  • Participation in an Instructional Diagnosis, a confidential process in which anonymous student feedback is gathered about the learning experience. This will be conducted by an experienced TLPDC staff person. This will take no more than 20 minutes of 1 class meeting. A summary of the students' responses will be provided to the instructor

    o Participation in a final program evaluation.

Eligibility and Terms of Fellowship

  • The SLFF is open to all permanent, full-time & part-time faculty at Texas Tech University including tenure-track faculty, professors of practice, lecturers, instructors, graduate/doctoral students, and other non-tenured faculty. Previous experience with service learning is not required.
  • As part of the SLFF, faculty members (excluding graduate/doctoral students) will receive a $500 stipend.

Application and Selection Criteria

  • A committee comprised of service learning faculty and TLPDC service learning staff will review each application. 
  • An application consists of:
    • A completed application with your Department Chairperson's signature approving your participation in the Service Learning program. Their signature indicates an agreement to schedule you to teach a service learning course in the future.
    • Within the application you will identify a potential course for service learning course development and provide a brief description of the ways in which this course will improve student learning and enhance student understanding of the course content. The course you identify can be a course you are developing or a course that you have taught previously and will be teaching again in the future.

Please email all application materials to servicelearning@ttu.edu. For questions or additional information, contact the TLPDC at (806) 742-0133.

Service Learning