Service Learning

Health Science

Service-learning allows Health Science students the opportunity to participate in community service projects that are directly related to their academic courses.  These experiences are designed to directly apply the concepts, theories, and information discussed in the classroom in the real world setting.  Service-learning links the academic courses with needed work that benefits the community.  Service-learning supports the liberal arts and sciences mission at Truman State University in the following ways:

• Learning about the world (beyond Truman, in Kirksville, Adair County, and Northeast Missouri;   

• Using creative and critical thinking, and intellectual problem-solving to complete assigned community projects;

• Exercising personal and intellectual leadership in a chosen field of endeavor (Health Science); and

• Emphasizing excellence in teaching, applied research, and public service consistent with the educational goals of the university.   

Examples of service-learning in which our Health Science students at Truman State University have engaged in:

- Teaching Self-Care sessions to Truman students and members of the community (HLTH270-Consumer Health)
- Stream clean-ups, street clean-ups, and assistance at the Truman Recycling Center (HLTH362-Environmental Health)
- 11-County Rural Health Needs Assessment Survey for Northeast Missouri (HLTH440-Program Planning & Evaluation)

Advanced Sport Management - Exercise Science

The Advanced Sport Management course emphasizes service learning.  This class is a requirement for all students completing the Exercise Science - Sport and Recreation Management pattern. 

Students in the class work with Kirksville Parks and Recreation Department to plan events for the community.  Past events have included:  self-defense workshops, Hershey's Track Meet, Pepsi Hit, Pitch & Run, Earth Day, Back Yard Bash and a 3-on-3 soccer tournament. 

Students in the class also assist with organizations to create advertising campaigns and safety/emergency procedure documents. 

Another service-learning component of the class is with Truman's Athletic Department, students gain experience in event and game management by working at athletic events.  Examples of involvement include organizing the local high school basketball playoffs, running the scoreboard, basketball statistics and officiating at the Truman Open Track & Field Meet.