SWOSU Promotes Service Learning at Service Learning Conference

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was well-represented at the 16^th Annual Oklahoma Service-Learning Conference held at Rose State College in Midwest City on Oct. 31. Dr. Taylor Orgeron, University Service-Learning Coordinator, and Dr. Kelley Logan, alongside SWOSU students Toni Case, Macayla McIntyre, Kayla Peeler, and Gerra Tomberlin, attended and co-presented at the event.

"This was my first time presenting at the conference, but my third time attending. I was excited to present this year especially since this is the first year I was able to bring students as co-presenters, and the first year I am attending since being made University Service-Learning Coordinator in January 2024," said Orgeron. "It was very exciting to learn more about the community service initiatives taking place at other universities statewide and to get the opportunity to share our experiences with service-learning at SWOSU.

The conference, themed "Reflecting-Reorienting-Reimagining Community Engagement," provided an opportunity for faculty and students to learn about service-learning projects across various disciplines, including health, behavioral sciences, and liberal arts. Discussions focused on the impact of these projects on students and communities, highlighting the practical application of classroom knowledge through civic engagement.

A standout feature of SWOSU's participation was the Department of Language & Literature's curriculum-integrated service-learning program. Unlike many universities that offer a single community service course, the department requires students to complete at least 9 credit hours of service-oriented courses. By scaffolding service-learning throughout our degree programs, the department provides students with real-world experience applying the skills they learn in the classroom and teaches them the importance of civic engagement.

Service-learning at SWOSU is designed to address identified community needs, allowing students to apply their skills in practical settings while earning academic credit. Projects range from short-term efforts to semester-long commitments and can take place within the immediate Weatherford community or across Oklahoma.

For more information about service-learning at SWOSU, contact Dr. Taylor Orgeron at [email protected] or visit our webpage: https://bulldog.swosu.edu/campus-life/service-learning/index.php.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Since 1901, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly stood on the hilltop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Offering over 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, SWOSU provides a diverse range of academic opportunities with high-quality education to its students. The university boasts a vibrant community of over 5,000 scholars and over 200 dedicated faculty and staff. With strong academic programs and a commitment to excellence, SWOSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a quality education.