Incorporating field sites into service-learning as collaborative partners

This article, which describes the service-learning program at the Universit y of North Carolina at Charlotte, advocates incorporating the needs and per spectives of field sites selected for involvement in service-learning proje cts. Information is gathered through interviews with field site supervisors . Service-learning requires the active participation of both members of the college or university (e.g., students, faculty members, and administrators ) and community partners in a collaborative process. When successful, this collaboration focuses on both mutual interests and common goals. Involving all partners throughout the process is crucial for successful collaboration . This article offers suggestions for the development of strong service-lea rning collaborations with community organizations. These suggestions fall i nto three broad categories: (a) level of site involvement throughout the pr oject, (b) conceptualization of the project, and (c) managerial aspects of the collaboration.