"Service, added to learning, adds to the value of each and transforms both."
- Honnet and Poulson, 1989

Academic

• To enhance student learning by joining theory with experience and thought with action.
  
• To offer students the opportunity to gain a broader appreciation of their academic discipline and a larger perspective for the context of course material.
  
• To allow students to test the theories and skills they learn in the classroom in real situations with real consequences.

Developmental

• To assist students in the development of an enhanced sense of civic responsibility- making students aware of their role as citizens and their responsibility to address the injustices and inequities of the world.
  
• To allow students to explore social issues that intrigue or concern them.
  
• To expose students to situations and communities which challenge their perceptions of certain issues, communities, or populations.
  
• To enhance a student's sense of pride and self-esteem.

Community

• To meet real needs in the community in a way that is meaningful for both the student and the community.
  
• To accomplish local community goals by utilizing the skills, expertise, and enthusiasm of University community members.
  
• To create a stronger bond between the University community and the local community by fostering positive interaction amongst the two entities.

What RWU Students have Achieved!

RWU Students Recorded over 34,000 Hours of Service in 06/07 Year. The numbers are in and RWU students posted an 18% increase in service hours from the 04/05 academic year to the 05/06 year!  A total of 34,846 hours were posted with the Feinstein Center. They include service done through the Scholarships for Service program, Community Service Work Study, non-profit internships, service learning courses, and annual Community Connections program. These hours also include the group and individual efforts of our undergradate student body in a diverse range of issue areas.  Other numbers of note: 

• Service hours have increased 33% from the year before Community Connections was piloted (04/05).
• We have increased our service to Bristol by 26% over the last year.  
• 9,720 of the hours were completed through non-profit based, unpaid internships.  
• 5,570 of the hours were completed through the Community Connections program. 
• 3,885 of the hours were completed through the Community Service Work Study program. 
• 3,300 of the hours were completed through the AmeriCorps Scholarships for Service program. 

(Click on above image to enlarge)