prior life experience
Effective September 1, 2006
In some special cases, SP
credit will be given based on the following policy.
We
provide students with an opportunity to put into practice what they are learning
in class, in the context of a service
learning placement. Our assumption and desire is that
all students will be involved in the formal Service Learning process
while at CBC.
We do however realize that a small number of students come to CBC
with significant ministry/service experience. This policy is
intended for those students who wish to apply for Service Learning
credit based on that experience.
Please note: If you are thinking of applying for prior life credit, please read the following
qualifications CAREFULLY. We expect considerable prior involvement, as outlined below, in order to qualify (i.e. one summer at camp
will not qualify).
Qualifications
Service experience must have been:
As a Christian
Post-high school and pre-CBC.
At a significant level (15-20 hours a week)
Over a significant period of time (see below)
Supervised by someone who has been actively involved in
overseeing the experience and is willing to verify the information as
well as offer an assessment of the volunteer’s experience.
Credit Given
1 credit will be given for every 800 hours of service/ministry that meets the qualifications, up to a maximum of 4
credits.
To put this into perspective: 800 hours = 20 hours of volunteering a week x 10 months
or 800 hours = 15 hours of
volunteering a week x 13-14 months
Process
Obtain and complete application form (link is below).
Submit application to Director of Service Learning (DSL).
Submit payment of Course Assessment Fee at the front reception
desk ($35.00 per credit hour challenged) on the same day as the
application is submitted to the DSL.
Hand in the assignment and supervisor’s letter with evaluation (as outlined below) by the last day of the semester.
The DSL will inform the applicant when a final decision is made.
Student Assignment
Write a reflection paper based on the ministry / service work
being used for this application (three pages per credit hour
challenged).
* Reflect on the experience:
- What were you involved in and how did it go (the good things and the bad)?
- Discuss
the things you learned
- About yourself (gifts, strengths, challenges, areas of growth)
- About others (serving people,
reactions)
- About service as a Christian in ministry
* Share two stories of significant events during your ministry time.
*
Discuss the areas in your life that you would like to develop further in the future.
* Conclude with how your life was impacted through this
placement.
Supervisor Evaluation
Send the supervisor a copy of the reflection paper to help
refresh their memory and so they can verify that the information is
correct.
Ask the supervisor (of each ministry setting) to send the DSL
- A one-page letter stating the nature of the student’s involvement
in the assignment, acknowledging that they have read the student’s
reflection paper to verify the information.
- A completed evaluation form (available on the website) based on
the participation of the student in the ministry / service setting.
Service Practicum Policies
Prior Life Experience Application Form (for the student to complete)
Prior Experience Evaluation Form (for the supervisor to complete)
