Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2011

Thesis Director

James Wallace

Thesis Committee Member

Catherine Polydore

Thesis Committee Member

Bonnie Irwin

Thesis Committee Member

Lou Hencken

Abstract

The present study was created to explore the phenomenon of volunteerism as it relates to integrated learning by showcasing a "best practice" in implementing a service-learning or volunteer program at an institute of higher education. Central Michigan University has been nationally recognized for its Volunteer Center program and through a mixed methods design the present study evaluated the program using qualitative and quantitative data collected by the researcher. The study was guided by four primary research questions:

  1. What are student perceptions of the Volunteer Center and the programs it offers
  2. What is the value, if any, that students and/or alumni find in volunteering via out-ofclassroom learning experiences offered by the Volunteer Center?
  3. What is the relationship between student grade point average and student involvement with the Volunteer Center?
  4. What specific programs offered by the Volunteer Center do students feel supports them in their overall development?

Results of the study showed that students find the Volunteer Center helpful and their involvement in the programs offered by the Volunteer Center have taught them more about societal issues, given them a connection to CMU as well as the communities they've served, and increased their likelihood of continuing to volunteer post-graduation; all of which contributed to their overall development while enrolled at the university.

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