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Theory-Practice/ Service Learning
Fall 2016
About TPSL
 TPSL IS NOT volunteerism. It is a “living laboratory”
that provides you an opportunity to “practice” what
you are learning.
 TPSL IS a partnership. It is an exchange of
invaluable, real-time experience for service– we are
truly serving one another!
 Students serve one 2-hour shift weekly for 9 weeks
(EDU 201 students serve for 8 weeks- 16 total
hours) for a total of 18 required hours.
Professionalism
 Appropriate Attire
 Avoid t-shirts/sweatshirts, etc. with potentially
inappropriate logos or messages
 Clothing must always cover your abdomen/midsection
 Shorts, skirts, and dresses should not be shorter
than 1-2 inches above the knee
 No pajamas, open-toed shoes/sandals/flip flops, or
jeans/pants with holes
 If you’re ever unsure about the appropriateness of
your attire, just ask your Site Supervisor.
Professionalism
 Be Present & Attentive. Cell phones should be set on
silent/vibrate, and stored away.

Site Supervisors will alert us if you are seen texting, taking
phone calls, etc. during service.
 Engage. You will only get out of the experience what you
put into it. It is critical that you be proactive and take
initiative in creating the connections needed to facilitate
your learning.
 But, Respect Boundaries. Do not share/exchange
personal information with clients at your site (i.e. email
addresses, phone numbers, social media information, etc.)
Professionalism
 Be punctual. Vans depart campus
(Fleming Shuttle Stop) and service
sites promptly at the times that will
be given. Latecomers will be left
behind.
 Mind your manners. Remember that
you represent your professor, the
college, the university, and most
importantly, yourself. Be courteous
and always use respectful language
(i.e. no profanity).
A Note on Absences
 Absences MUST be communicated to/cleared by
your Site Supervisor at least one hour before the
shift that will be missed (or within 24 hours after, in
the case of an emergency).
 All absences are considered unexcused.
Notification to your site is a sign of professionalism
and courtesy, and gives them the opportunity to
plan accordingly for your absence.
TPSL Communication
 Communicate with your professor regarding any
questions or concerns about your grade/the
academic component of TPSL.
 Communicate with Rhiannon regarding any
questions or concerns about your service
placement and transportation.
 Communicate with your Site
Supervisor/Coordinator regarding absences and
make-up shifts.
Speaking of Make-up Shifts…
 How to schedule a make-up shift:
 Check the van/transportation schedule for shifts
available at your service site.
 Obtain permission from your Site Supervisor to make
up a missed shift on the date you’ve selected.
 Notify Rhiannon of the approved make-up shift so that
the van driver(s) can be informed.
 A maximum of two make-up shifts are allowed for the
semester. Any absences beyond the first two cannot be
made up (with the exception of extenuating
circumstances, as determined and approved by Rhiannon
Hubert).
Evaluations
 Service evaluations are completed at the semester
midterm and at the semester’s end.
 Site supervisors are given the opportunity to
provide feedback regarding your attendance,
professionalism, level of engagement, and overall
performance at your placement.
The Service Placement Process
 Visit the link provided on your handout to submit your top
3 service placement preferences.
 The deadline to submit service placement preferences is
11:59pm Monday, Sept. 5. The form will close at this
time, and late submissions will not be accepted.
 Selecting preferences does not guarantee your placement
at a particular site. Each site has a limited number of
spots. We will consider your availability and the amount
of support that can be accommodated by each site, in
addition to your indicated preferences.
TPSL Fall 2016 Timeline
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Monday, Sept 5: Service placement preferences due
Friday, Sept 9: Service placement notification via email
Monday, Sept 19: TPSL service begins
October 14: Midterm evaluation period
October 10-11: Oxford Fall Break, No Placements
October 17-21: No TPSL at school placements/after school programs
(Newton County Fall Break)
• November 21-25: No TPSL at school placements/after school
programs (Newton County Thanksgiving Break)
• Friday, December 2: Last day of TPSL
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Questions?? Concerns??
Contact Rhiannon Hubert ([email protected])