The Community Service Engagement is a Gateway Education course offered by the Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences (SS) in collaboration with the Community Engagement Program (CEP) team of Student Development Services (SDS). This course provides students with opportunities to engage in voluntary service and develop an understanding of the principles and ethics of community engagement and volunteerism. Additionally, it allows students to participate in meaningful service work while learning to apply service methods, communication skills as well as evaluation skills. Furthermore, students gain an appreciation for and develop care and respect towards various population groups in society, while also reflecting on their personal growth. The course also inspires students to explore enduring questions of human existence and human values.

Individual reflective journal (1,300 words)

Students are required to submit one individual reflective journal at mid-term of course. This journal aims to provide opportunities for students to reflect on their personal growth in terms of knowledge, skill and attitude.

Final group report (5,000 words)

Students are required to submit a final group report (4-6 students per subgroup) at the end of the semester. This assignment reports on their overall learning in terms of a) ethics and principles of community engagement and volunteerism, b) skills and methods applied, and c) understanding of various target populations.

Class and service participation

Students must maintain a minimum attendance of 75% for both class sessions and service provision in order to successfully pass this course. Students are required to actively participate in class and contribute to service provision. This includes engaging in active and constructive discussions during class sessions, as well as punctual attendance and active involvement in all aspects of service delivery.