Welcome back to CSL, and to our new term of virtual, project-based CSL!  We have a terrific slate of courses from our instructors – not too far under what we would have if we were in a pre-pandemic term.  That’s a real testament to the commitment of our academics and our community partners to offer meaningful learning opportunities for public benefit in difficult times.  Early indications are that some of our students are feeling the same cumulative stresses and anxieties of COVID-19 as many of us, and so have opted for CSL projects within their courses in somewhat smaller numbers than usual.  That’s very understandable - when our confidence has been shaken, we tend to stick to the things we know and think we can manage.  A few of our community partners have also found that their provision of projects for students has had to be scaled back from what was originally hoped for.  CSL remains committed to ensuring all students and community partners have the support to successfully complete their projects. 

As Director, I’m thrilled to see the innovative work our staff and partners are engaged in right now. This year our co-curricular Non-Profit Board Internship program has experienced its largest intake in fifteen years! And our Humanities 101 program is turning to old fashioned radio (thanks to CJSR!) for its regular programming, in the absence of face-to-face gatherings and the reality that some HUM learners simply do not have reliable broadband internet and computers to access webinars and the like.  Lisa and Kendra are working feverishly on content for their radio spots, and in doing so are continuing an outreach tradition going back to the Great Depression of the University providing adult education over the airwaves. If you can, please help HUM by donating a portable radio! (see below).  

Best of luck to all this term – we have your backs.  Call us for anything you need.

David Peacock, CSL Director

Jenna Bell, CSL Student Intern                                                     

I am an Environmental Science undergrad finishing up my last semester this Fall. I have been a CSL student since my first semester at U of A. All of my CSL placements throughout my degree have been amazing experiences that greatly enriched my time as a student. I'm so excited to now be working for CSL and to help other students to have the same great experiences I had! When I am not studying or working I like to go hiking, play piano and meet new people.

Like everyone else everywhere else, we are approaching a term that promises to be like no other HUM term. When university classes moved online we had to decide if we would follow. After many discussions and considerations it was decided that we would focus our immediate energy on a more equitable alternative. Too many folks do not have secure, reliable, and free access to technology and/or the internet required to participate in online courses. Never mind a space and place that allows for the quiet and attention needed to engage in online learning. The global pandemic has really highlighted that there is gross disparity in digital access and the internet is not the great equalizer it was touted to be. 

So we have joined forces with CJSR radio and will be broadcasting HUM over the airwaves! The theme for the term is “Storytelling” and we have an incredible lineup of faculty, storytellers, poets, musicians, and artists excited to share their knowledge, experience, and thoughts about storytelling with you. We hope that listeners will participate in as many ways possible. Through activities and a blog, we are hoping folks will share their stories, and that we can generate some lively discussion on air and online. 

Starting October 16th, tune in Fridays from 6-7pm to hear what it’s about (88.5FM)!

We are also in need of portable transistor radios for folks to tune in. If you have a radio that is no longer in use and are willing to give it to someone who needs one to participate in the course, please contact us so that we can organize a way to pick it up.  Or if you would like to purchase a new radio (they cost $20) for someone, let us know. 

In addition to the radio show, we are working towards an online option for those who are able to participate using technology. Our goal is to have a unique online course that is being developed with four other like minded programs across Canada beginning winter 2021. In the meantime, we will start hosting online opportunities for folks to gain and practice the skills that will be needed to participate in an online course.

It has been a Fall like no other on and off campus, including for Community Service-Learning.  Through the strength of our  partnerships in the community, we have worked together to reimagine ways for CSL students to engage in meaningful community work in the context of Covid-19.  While many things about CSL look different this term than in past years, we are excited about the opportunities that this Fall term brings, and we look forward to hearing about the ways that CSL students continue to make connections between their classroom and community learning!

Check out some tips for thinking about planning on-line placements, as well as working from home guides for both students and community partners.

If you would like to work with CSL for the Winter 2021 term, please contact our Partnership Coordinators by October 15th.

Please continue to check the UAlberta website for the most recent COVID-19 updates.

Have you read our latest Annual Report? Check it out on-line, or if you would like a hard copy we would be happy to mail one to you. Email: cslinfo@ualberta.ca