Dear Colleagues,

As the spring semester draws to a close I am excited about the progress of The Center for the Advancement of Service-Learning Excellence (CASLE) and that of our service-learning faculty, students, and community partners. I want to take this opportunity to highlight a few of our projects as well as to illustrate some things to consider this summer.

This spring, CASLE assisted with several service-learning courses linking Academic Affairs and the Extension Service. These projects have made a direct impact on our local communities and across the state of Mississippi. In addition, through the Extension Service our Mississippi 4-H youth are involved in CASLE's "I'm a Can Opener" service-learning competition and are developing service-learning projects that will benefit their counties (be sure to vote for your favorite project on our CASLE Facebook page). The winner of the competition will be announced at the 4-H State Congress at the end of May.

I am happy to announce that CASLE received a gift this semester in the amount of $8,000 from the Dawn Brancheau Foundation. This grant money will be used to support four new service-learning scholarships that will begin in fall. These service-learning scholars will design and develop service-learning projects that feature the interests of Dawn Brancheau and remind all of our MSU students about the importance of being an example to everyone. Watch for more information about these projects in September.  

We have also made great strides to acknowledge service-learning academic coursework thanks to the efforts of our Service-Learning Advisory Committee (SLAC). Beginning in fall 2014, 11 courses will feature the "S" designation. This is a testament to the work that is occurring on our campus and the willingness of faculty to create unique learning experiences for MSU students.  

Summer is a great time to consider developing a service-learning course. To that end, I would like to invite you to submit an application to our Faculty Mini-Grant program. This program allows faculty to submit proposals for $500 or less to pay for transportation or other materials to ensure a service-learning class in fall 2014 or spring 2015. Applications are due on June 30, 2014. Please contact our office for an application.

As always, if you have any questions about service-learning or how we can assist you in what you do at MSU please contact our office. CASLE is always looking for opportunities to help others learn, serve, and become.

Best wishes for an enjoyable summer. We look forward to seeing you in the fall.

Dr. April Heiselt

Director, Center for the Advancement of Service-Learning Excellence (CASLE)