CSU Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) Data Collection

Sent: April 18, 2025

From: Vincent J. Del Casino, Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear colleagues,

In alignment with CSU Graduation Initiative 2025 and Year of Engagement, the CSU Center for Community Engagement is in its fourth year of a system wide effort to improve data collection and identify the spectrum of community-engaged learning courses being offered across the CSU. The SJSU Center for Community Learning & Leadership (CCLL) leads this information gathering on our campus by utilizing the Chancellor’s Office Community Engaged Learning Tool (CELT).

All faculty who believe their course fits one of the following definitions should complete the Community Engagement Learning Tool (CELT) at this link https://app.calstates4.com/sjsu/node/370417 by May 5, 2025. The CELT includes a series of questions based on the The CSU-CEL Taxonomy. It is designed to identify where a course falls along the spectrum of CEL, resulting in the assignment of one of two attributes in the Student Information System: curricular service-learning (CSLI) or curricular community-engaged learning (CCEL). If a faculty member has completed the CELT for their course within the last three years, it does not need to be completed again at this time.

CURRICULAR COMMUNITY-ENGAGED LEARNING
Curricular community-engaged learning is a course-based community service experience characterized by reciprocal partnerships with community based organizations that are designed to both enhance student understanding of disciplinary topics and to benefit the common good.

CURRICULAR SERVICE-LEARNING
A course that provides students with opportunities to participate in organized service activities that align with community focus areas while linking the community service experiences to course content through reflection. This deliberate linkage makes service learning distinct from volunteer community service. To be considered service-learning, courses must include all six elements from the CEL taxonomy.

Curricular service-learning and community engaged learning does not include internships, teacher preparation placements, or clinical placements such as nursing, counseling, physical therapy or occupational therapy. Furthermore, it does not include students serving at for-profit businesses.

Please contact the Center for Community Learning & Leadership team with questions.

Thank you,
Vin