Ms Victoria Melissa C Pulido and Ms Paulyn Erica M Porras are all smiles as they completed
the 11-week course on Service-Learning Institutionalization.
Xavier University's Service-Learning Program is a proud member of the Uniservitate Service-Learning (SL) Network, a global initiative dedicated to embedding solidarity service-learning (SSL) within Catholic higher education institutions (CHEIs) worldwide. This impactful program, an initiative of Porticus and coordinated by the Latin American Centre for Solidarity Service-Learning (CLAYSS), operates through seven strategically located regional hubs. Each hub is led by an academic institution that supports and guides other universities in their service-learning institutionalization journey.
The Uniservitate Asia and Oceania Regional Hub, hosted by De La Salle University, recently facilitated an 11-week program focused on SL Institutionalization for member universities in the region. The course provided a vital platform for administrators and faculty involved in SL at CHEIs to explore, discuss, demonstrate, and deepen their understanding of SL concepts, programs, and processes. As a culminating capstone project, participants were tasked with developing a comprehensive SL institutionalization plan tailored to their institutions. This project required learners to apply their newfound knowledge and skills to create a sustainable and actionable plan for integrating SL into their curriculum, culture, and social engagement, while addressing their institution's unique needs and structure.
Xavier University's own SL Formators, Victoria Melissa Pulido and Paulyn Erica Porras, completed this 11-week program. Their journey included delving into six core learning modules, covering topics such as:
- Understanding SL in HEIs: History, Philosophy, Pedagogy, and Practices
- Spirituality and Service Learning
- Philosophy and Mission of SL
- Student Awareness and Involvement
- Faculty Awareness and Involvement
- Reciprocal Community Partnership
In Photo: The Uniservitate Online Course on SL Institutionalization opened with an orientation by Ms Maria Nieves Tapia,
followed by a 2-part module led by SL expert Dr Andrew Furco of the University of Minnesota.
A significant highlight of the program was an in-depth discussion and feedback session with Dr Andrew Furco, a renowned SL expert. Dr Furco, who developed the influential "Furco Rubric" and established the six dimensions of SL institutionalization, provided invaluable insights on the participating HEIs' institutionalization efforts.
The program concluded with a capstone presentation where the Xavier University Formators showcased their detailed Action Plans to strengthen SL Institutionalization in Xavier University. The presentation was well-attended by various university heads of office and the distinguished lecturers from the 11-week program.
Reflecting on the crucial role of spirituality in service-learning, Ms Pulido shared, “Integrating a spiritual dimension into Service Learning (SL) allows institutions to provide grounding and direction by anchoring on shared principles and values. For Xavier University, Ignatian Spirituality serves as the foundation for its formation programs, guiding students in their personal and academic development. While rooted in Catholic and Christian traditions, Ignatian Spirituality has proven to be an inclusive spiritual framework that transcends differences and bridges social and religious divides. Therefore, Xavier University’s Service- Learning fosters an inclusive framework that embraces universal principles and values all geared towards the achievement of its mission of forming men and women for and with others.”
In Photo: Dr Fides del Castillo and Dr Jen Azordegan shared insights on Spirituality and Service-Learning,
while Ms Fritzie Ian De Vera discussed the Philosophy and Mission of Service-Learning.
When asked how Xavier University connects its mission and vision to the implementation and delivery of SL, Ms Porras explained, "Our SL programs nurture not only intellectual skills but also discernment, ethical judgment, and spiritual reflection, which were aligned with the teachings of St Ignatius. SL offers students firsthand experiences of social realities, helping them connect classroom knowledge with the call to 'serve the poor and work for justice,' which are central values of both Catholic Social Teaching and Jesuit identity. Through meaningful, community-responsive projects, we challenge students to go beyond minimum requirements and to give their best in the pursuit of the greater good."
Consistently recognized as a best practice, service-learning at Xavier University continues to thrive. This online Service-Learning Institutionalization course marks a significant step towards the university's goal of sustaining and strengthening SL institutionalization now and in the years to come.