Analyzing Institutional Commitment to Service: A Model of Key Organizational Factors

Although some work has begun to explore issues related to expanding, sustaining, and institutionalizing service-learning, there is little understanding of the dynamic relationship between organizational factors related to service-learning and actual levels of institutional commitment. Each institution must develop its own understanding of its academic priorities, including the role of service as an aspect of mission, and set clear goals for a level of commitment that matches those priorities. A matrix that links organizational factors to levels of commitment to service is proposed as one possible approach to setting institutional goals, realistically assessing current conditions, and monitoring progress toward the desired level of implementation of service learning. [author]