The mission of Concordia University, St. Paul is to prepare its students for thoughtful and informed living, for dedicated service to God and humanity and for the enlightened care of God s creation. In light of this mission, from the first day students set foot on the Concordia campus, they are presented with opportunities to engage in extra-curricular activities on campus and in activities that serve the community. These extra-curricular opportunities prepare them for achieving academic goals, as presented in the philosophy and practice of Campus Compact.

Service learning at Concordia University, St. Paul is incorporated into the curriculum in a variety of ways. As in many institutions, some professors and some courses lend themselves more effectively to such academic involvement in community issues. For example, students in the College of Education and Director of Christian Education (DCE) programs complete 100 service learning hours as part of their Human Relations course requirements.

Among the many service learning opportunities available, students may assist in the classrooms at neighboring Higher Ground Academy, tutor students at Central High School or work with teens in the Future Force program. Particularly helpful is nearby Skyline Towers, a low-income housing development at which more than a dozen different languages are spoken. Students have been involved in research about the challenges and strengths of new immigrant families. One recent student, as a result of her participation in this type of research, changed her vocational goal from being a family counselor to being an international family counselor. Other students have conducted research and interviews to gain a better understanding of the relationship of immigration, global economics and global politics. Through education courses students are better able to understand the changing challenges in education and the different learning styles of individuals. They also become aware of how community and family pressures have an impact on learning.

Concordia University faculty and staff lead by example, making it clear to students that involvement and commitment are the keys to civic responsibility. Concordia encourages its entire campus community of students, faculty and staff to connect with their campus and their community, thereby building a solid foundation on which to build a life of service to others.