TAMIU Service-Learning Certificate Available to Students

Students at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) are being called to be an advocate for social change by getting involved in the community and making a difference through the TAMIU Service-Learning Center Civic Engagement Certificate.

Those who earn the Certificate enhance their bachelor’s degree with practical experience and in-class learning on civic engagement, as well as the opportunity to engage and network with local community partners and create positive change.

“The goal of this four-course Certificate program is to raise awareness of current local, national and global issues which affect our everyday lives and engage in civic action,” explained Cihtlalli Pérez, administrative associate, Service Learning Center.

“Civic engagement is a sense of responsibility toward one’s community,” she added.

Examples of civically engaged projects include hosting a voter registration drive, volunteering at a soup kitchen, helping clean up after city events, designing an awareness campaign on the risks of bullying in social media, and serving on their neighborhood association.

“The idea is to identify and work with the community to solve a problem or interact with institutions which represent our democracy,” said Pérez.

Other benefits of completing the program include more effective communication, critical thinking and leadership skills. Students engage with the community and bring positive outcomes to society and cultivates a social responsibility and commitment to the student’s civic life as a professional member of the community.

Students will need to take the following four courses: Foundations of Civic Engagement and Social Change (UNIV 2310), Community Engagement and Agents of Change (UNIV 3320), Social Inequality (SOCI 4310) or Race in Ethnic Relations (SOCI 4317) or approved substitution and Capstone Experience (UNIV 4390).

To apply, visit tamiu.edu/uc/slc/apply

For more information, contact Pérez at 326.3132 or cihtlallig.perez@tamiu.edu, contact the Service-Learning Center staff at servicelearning@tamiu.edu or visit offices in Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, room 223.

University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Additional information is available at tamiu.edu and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.