Service Learning - Misericordia University

Service Learning - Misericordia University
Service Learning
Service has been a prized charism at Misericordia University since our formation in 1924. Students, staff, and faculty alike are known to involve themselves in projects throughout the Back Mountain area as well as abroad. Misericordia's history has a rich foundation of service to others, and has a common thread through each of our graduates. We do this by fostering a passion for social justice issues that enable our students to be advocates on behalf of those who are poor and oppressed.
Many  service related programs and ministries are done in collaboration with the Leadership Team.
Learn more about Office for Mission
, Ministry and Service.
Service Learning @ MU
What is Service Learning?
Service-learning is a structured learning experience that provides students with the opportunity to meet academic objectives through provision of community service. Students work with community partners to develop and implement projects to meet the needs of the organization, develop their own skills and learning, and reflect on the value of the experience from a community and interpersonal perspective.
Service Learning at Misericordia
An academic curriculum with a focus on meeting community needs.
Philosophy that service enhances learning and learning enhances service.
Faculty and student development of Misericordia's charisms –mercy, service, justice, and hospitality in the classroom and out in the community.
Student development of interpersonal and professional skills in a service setting.
Incorporation of virtuous values including group work, social responsibility, and civic responsibility.
Misericordia University has been committed to giving back to our local friends and neighbors since its inception in 1924. Strongly connected to our four charisms of Mercy, Service, Justice and Hospitality, service-learning is a catalyst that fosters lifelong civic engagement and development of ethical values, with the hoped for outcome of building stronger communities. Service learning provides real value to the community while simultaneously providing a vehicle for our students to develop their academic knowledge, 21st century skills, and a broader sense of social responsibility and community awareness.
Through strong community partnerships, dedicated staff and faculty, and the hard work and enthusiasm of our students, Misericordia service learning has made a lasting impact on our local community and beyond.
Community Partners
Faculty Resources
Student Resources
Service Learning Projects
Service Learning Events
Contact the Service Learning Coordinator
Organizations Served
"Adopt-a-Grandparent" at Mercy Center:
Students visit and provide a social gathering for residents at both of these locations. Some favorite activities include doing crafts and playing games!
Blue Chip Farm a non-profit no-kill animal shelter in Dallas, PA:
Students will be engaged in helping with any physical tasks they may need such as: outdoor work, cleaning cages, walking, grooming, and feeding animals.
Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Farm in Harvey's Lake:
Students will work on the farm weeding, harvesting, spinning wool, making hats for homeless people and working in the gardens.
Habitat for Humanity of the Wyoming Valley:
This service project allows students the opportunity to help build homes for low income families with local Habitat chapters.
Hospitality Ministry: Bagel Wednesday
Students assist in the planning and coordination of hospitality events sponsored by Campus Ministry.
Kids on Campus/Women with Children Program:
Once a week students plan creative activities and games here on campus with the children from our Women with Children Program.
Food insecurity Outreach Programs
Students will serve, prep and share a meal  at the  Keystone City Mission, Ruth's Place women's homeless shelter and Mother Theresa's Haven (men's homeless shelter). They also participate in "Rise Against Hunger Events".
CEO- Weinberg Food Bank
Students go to the local Wilkes Barre/Pittston food bank and help package food for community food distribution in Luzerne County.
Other places we serve during the year
: Hillside Farms, New Roots Recovery Clean- Up, Patriot's Cove and Food Dignity, McGlynn Learning Center, Catherine McAuley Center, The Pines, Luzerne County Fairgrounds.
“As a result of my experience at Ruth's Place, I continue to volunteer and make new friends, learn more, and change the lives of not only the women who live at the shelter but also the people I take with me to volunteer. Service learning provided me with a way to understand the concepts sociology provided me. I strongly believe that being enrolled into a class with service learning as part of the curriculum is the best way to learn."
Nicole O’Connor, Nursing Student
Programs
McAuley Market Food Pantry:
Located in the left side of Henry Student Commuter Lounge and open by appointment by calling x6495.
Online ordering is also available here.
Food, drinks, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies available to all Misericordia students, faculty, and staff.
Veterans Day and Presidents Day:
Children from the McGlynn Center meet with veterans on campus for activities and a day of fun!
Thanksgiving Basket Project:
Each year, the campus community sponsors local families with a holiday meal at Thanksgiving. We typically serve about 100 families who have been recommended by social service agencies and churches, sponsored by clubs, organizations, and individual donors.
Mercy Leaders Scholarship Program
: The Mercy Leaders Program is an initiative that recognizes, trains, and supports students who are civically engaged. A very selected group of students pledge to complete 150 hours of service in on calendar year, and, in exchange for that commitment, will receive leadership, training, and support from the staff and fellow Mercy leaders, and participate in ongoing supervision and reflection activities. Students who enroll in this program and successfully complete the 200 hours of service will receive an award of $1000 to be taken off their tuition.
Clearances
The following clearances can now be done online:
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearances (CY113)
Pennsylvania Criminal Record Checks (SP4-164)
Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Background Checks.
The fingerprint based background check is a multiple step process. You will have to set a date to go complete your fingerprinting after completing the online form.
To begin the process of completing your clearances, follow the link below: