The Relationship of Participation in Service Learning Courses with Alumni Civic-Mindedness and Effectiveness Working with Diversity

Abstract

Analysis of data from the 2014 IUPUI Alumni survey found that undergraduate alumni who participated in service learning courses reported higher levels of civic-mindedness than alumni who did not participate or participated less often in service learning courses. These results were significant after adjusting for gender, ethnicity, volunteer service in high school, and four high impact practices - participation in study abroad, research with faculty, practicum, and co-curricular service. High school volunteer service, practicum, and co-curricular service were also independent predictors of civic–mindedness. Alumni who participated in service learning courses also reported higher levels of effectiveness working with people of different races, ethnicities and religions.