Biidaaban Community Service-Learning (BCSL)

CSL activities address specific community needs. For example: housing, food security, mental health, advocacy, education, violence prevention, etc. They align with community partner mandates, goals and objectives. 

To help build your CSL activity, ask yourself the following questions:

• What are the goals and learning outcomes of my course?
• Where, or how, could my students gain a greater understanding of these notions outside of the classroom?
• What kind of experiential learning will benefit students in my course?  
• Which community partner(s) might be a good fit for my course?
• How does this relate to the organization's mandate?
• What process will I require from my students to integrate placements? (interviews, training, etc.)
• How many hours should I assign to this activity, 10 hours, 20 hours, 40 hours?
• How will I assess student learning?
• How will I connect their experiences to theory in the course? 
• How will students record or share their experiences?
• How will this benefit students, community partner(s), myself?
• What reflective assignment will follow the experience?

Once your activity has been developed, include the following in your syllabus:

• CSL activity (marketing products, research, communication plan, outreach strategy, translation, fund raising ideas, etc.)
• Name of community partner 
• Corresponding reflective assignment (journal, year end presentation, essay, in-class discussion, etc.)
• Grade (20 hours for 20%, 10 hours minimum for 5%, etc.)
• Biidaaban Learning Series: BCSL offers a series of free training workshops for students entering CSL placements at Nipissing University. The workshop series typically includes Intro to Allyship, Sexual Violence and Prevention Training, Healthy Boundaries, and more.
• Timeline (due dates, deliverables, etc.)
• Roles and responsibilities (Faculty, student or student team lead, community partner, CSL Officer, etc.)

CSL can be an optional, or required assignment for students in your class.

The CSL Officer is available to meet with you to plan and brainstorm. We are also available to provide in-class presentations to introduce CSL at the start of the term.

• Supports community
• Creates connections between community partners, faculty and students
• Students gain volunteer experience
• Students are more engaged in class
• Students integrate classroom theory and experience
• Facilitates a dynamic learning environment 
• Opportunity for meaningful reflection 

A number of administrative and logistical supports are available to faculty for the creation and delivery of CSL:

• Finding placement/volunteer opportunities for students
• Liaising with community partners
• Registering your students' CSL volunteer activities in the Record of Student Development (RSD) database
• Ensuring students get their Police Vulnerable Sector Checks (PVSC)
• Providing students with agreement forms to bring to their placement
• Providing students with health and safety forms
• Providing students with time sheets
• Checking in with community partners
• Aiding with travel plans, itineraries, and bookings (ex.: booking bus to Dokis First Nation) 
• Getting students to complete online Health and Safety training
• Room bookings
• Smudge requests
• Printing
• In-class presentations
• Conducting student interviews
• Conducting student surveys
• Attending in-class discussions and final project presentations

To register for the Biidaaban Learning Series, or for more information, please contact the Biidaaban Community Service-Learning Officer at indigenousprograms@nipissingu.ca

Certification

Students who complete CSL projects or placements are eligible to receive a certificate from the Office of Indigenous Initiatives acknowledging their work in support of local community.

Students put theory into practice to gain a greater understanding of Indigenous community and non-profits by:  

• Assisting with programming, projects or events
• Creating meaningful programming to support clients and community
• Generating content, planning and engaging with social media 
• Attending community meetings/events, board meetings, volunteer meetings, etc. 
• Researching grants and writing proposals
• Planning events and supporting logistics
• Augmenting accessibility to resources 
• Assisting with fundraising 
• Creating and updating print materials and communication tools
• Creating new resources for community partners and the people they support
• Updating websites 
• Entering data 
• Building awareness
• Administrative support
• Recording stories and experiences 
• Augmenting reach and visibility 
• Translating
• Assisting with strategic planning
• Drafting and conducting surveys
• Research
• Developing marketing tools
• Providing creative services
• Developing strategies in response to presented challenges 
• Participating in outreach and public education 
• Advocacy work

This can occur through class discussion, one-on-one debriefs, sharing circles, check-ins, weekly journaling, blogging, or other methods of sharing.

Faculty are responsible for initiating regular and ongoing discussion about student experiences. 

The CSL experience allows students to connect course curriculum to what they learn in community. Consider asking why they think certain things might be happening: social issues, lack of human resources, funding, need for volunteers, etc. using lived experience as the starting point for reflection.

CSL activities must be in alignment with the community partner's mandate, goals and objectives. It must enhance their capacity. Think of your intentions for student learning, the goals of your course and how this relates to the organization's mandate.

You may already have a community partner in mind, or you may want to connect with partners who are familiar with this program, having hosted students in the past.

BCSL would like to thank the following: North Bay, Nipissing First Nation, Dokis First Nation, Temagami First Nation, and surrounding area partners for supporting and providing Community Service-Learning opportunities to Nipissing University students:

• AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area
• Amelia Rising Sexual Assault Centre
• Anishinabek Nation
• Big Brother & Big Sisters of North Bay
• Cam's Kids
• Canoe House 
• Children's Aid Society
• Community Drug Strategy of North Bay and Area
• Community Living - FJ Dellandrea
• Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord
• District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board
• Dokis Museum​
• Family Enrichment Program
• Heart and Stroke Foundation
• Let the Learning Begin
• Low Income People Involvement of Nipissing
• Nbisiing Secondary School
• Near North District School Board
• Nipissing First Nation
• Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board
• Nipissing Transition House (One Pledge)
• Northeastern Ontario Multicultural Centre
• North Bay Food Bank
• North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre
• North Bay Literacy Council
• North Bay Local Immigration Partnership
• North Bay - Mattawa Conservation Authority
• North Bay Police Service
• North Bay Regional Health Centre - Regional Aboriginal Mental Health Services 
• North Bay Regional Health Centre - The Foundation
• Nipissing University Student Union
• Ojibwe Women's Lodge
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
• One Kids Place
• PEP Place | People for Equal Partnership in Mental Health
• Providing Adults with Developmental Disabilities Lifelong Experiences (PADDLE)
• Suswin Village
• The Warming Center
• True Self - Debwewendizwin
• White Water Gallery
• YMCA of North Bay​

Reflection is key to Community Service-Learning. Types of reflective assignments include: 

• In-class discussion, discussion groups or debriefing
• Journals
• Essays
• Collaborative projects
• Oral presentations  
• Portfolio
• Group journal
• Letter to self
• Reflective interview
• Artistic reflection

Marks may be tied to placement attendance, participation in group discussion, reflective assignments, and more. Remember, you are marking the reflection and learning that comes from placement experience, not the placement itself.

Student learning is a combination of notions explored in community and in class. Reflective assignments and responses allow students to integrate knowledge and illustrate learning. 

Attendance: Students may be required to complete a certain amount of hours (10, 20, 40, etc.). A time sheet helps them keep track of hours. This time sheet can be provided by the CSL team and should be signed by a placement supervisor to confirm attendance.

Students can support in a number of ways.

They bring knowledge and skills learned in university courses to organizations, increasing their capacity to meet community needs.

Project-based CSL. Community organizations submit projects to be completed by university students for course credit. The work is done in class,  under the guidance of the professor, and outcomes are shared with the community partner once finished. Students can support by:  

• Developing marketing tools 
• Creating social media content and other communications
• Developing community outreach strategies
• Drafting and conducting surveys
• Assisting with programming, projects or events
• Creative services
• Maintaining engagement on social media platforms
• Augmenting organization reach 
• Creating meaningful programming to support clients and community
• Entering data
• Attending community meetings/events, board meetings, volunteer meetings, etc.
• Support event planning and logistics
• Administrative support
• Researching grants and writing proposals
• Assisting with fundraising 
• Creating and updating print materials
• Creating resources for community partners and the people they support
• Hosting a Facebook live event
• Reviewing print materials and online platform content, making recommendations
• Participating in outreach and public education 
• Advocacy work
• Conducting research
• Etc.

Collaborations can take place in person, virtually or both. 

• Community organization to touch base with the class, or designated leads, a few times during the school term for feedback.
• Students to present project outcomes to organization.

Other optional project components (virtual):

• Students to attend staff, volunteer, or board meetings
• Virtual tour of organization physical spaces
• Meet and greet with other staff, clients, or other folks as requested 
• Sharing Circles
• Etc.

To submit an opportunity, fill in the "Project Proposal Template" below. We will be happy to discuss ideas and answer questions! 

Click here to download the Project Proposal template

Students can provide from 10 to 20 hours of service per term. 

• Fall term: September to November (Exams in December)
• Winter term: January to March (Exams in April)

Students provide, on average, 1-4 hours of service per week, spending time in class working on a project for the organization. Some courses last one term only (4 months) and others last the entire school year (8 months). Some courses are only offered in the first term, some are only offered in the second term. 

Community organizations can choose to work with a class for one term only, for an entire school year, or with 2 separate classes during each term. Multiple projects can be submitted for students to work on.   

A timeline should be developed between the community organizations and the class teacher. 

Submit project details to the Community Service Learning Officer at 705-474-3450 ext. 4772 or email indigenousprograms@nipissingu.ca. We will attempt to find a student or course group to collaborate with you. 

BCSL would like to thank the following North Bay, Nipissing First Nation and surrounding area partners for supporting and providing Community Service-Learning opportunities to Nipissing University students:

• AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area
• Amelia Rising Sexual Assault Centre
• Anishinabek Nation
• Big Brother & Big Sisters of North Bay
• Cam's Kids
• Canoe House 
• Children's Aid Society
• Community Drug Strategy of North Bay and Area
• Community Living - FJ Dellandrea
• Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord
• District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board
• Dokis Museum​
• Family Enrichment Program
• Heart and Stroke Foundation
• Let the Learning Begin
• Low Income People Involvement of Nipissing
• Nbisiing Secondary School
• Near North District School Board
• Nipissing First Nation
• Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board
• Nipissing Transition House (One Pledge)
• Northeastern Ontario Multicultural Centre
• North Bay Food Bank
• North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre
• North Bay Literacy Council
• North Bay Local Immigration Partnership
• North Bay - Mattawa Conservation Authority
• North Bay Police Service
• North Bay Regional Health Centre - Regional Aboriginal Mental Health Services 
• North Bay Regional Health Centre - The Foundation
• Nipissing University Student Union
• Ojibwe Women's Lodge
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
• One Kids Place
• PEP Place | People for Equal Partnership in Mental Health
• Providing Adults with Developmental Disabilities Lifelong Experiences (PADDLE)
• Suswin Village
• The Warming Center
• True Self - Debwewendizwin
• White Water Gallery
• YMCA of North Bay​

To register for the Biidaaban Learning Series, or for more information, please contact the Biidaaban Community Service-Learning Officer at indigenousprograms@nipissingu.ca.

Students who complete CSL projects or placements are eligible to receive a certificate from the Office of Indigenous Initiatives acknowledging their work in support of local community.

“Will my virtual CSL experience be as valuable as an in-person one?”

A virtual experience is just as legitimate as an in-person one. You need these to build up your resume and your future careers. The BCSL team makes every effort to pair up students with projects and partners that work in fields of interest to students. Committing yourself to such an experience will serve you professionally in the future. Most learned skills are transferable. From working with children, organizing a fund raiser, producing a communication plan, hosting a Facebook event, doing online outreach or creating programming, these skills will serve you across many fields and in many professional settings.

Since many students have had limited access to work since the start of the pandemic, a virtual placement or CSL project is as close as students can get to hands on, real-life experience. This experience could land you a new reference, a community connection, new perspectives. CSL allows students to gain access and insights into organisations like no other. 

Additionally, many organisations have satellite offices, partners in other cities, clients in other territories and countries. Learning to work and connect with people from a distance will prepare you for a future career.

“I was hoping to network with partners but am now unsure of how to build those relationships.”

A huge part of the CSL experience is building relationships and networking with supervisors, colleagues, volunteers and clients. There will be opportunities to connect with folks via virtual team meetings, email, phone, and through your work. Positive interactions, be they virtual or in-person, do not go unnoticed. If you participate and contribute ideas, knowledge and positive energy to the CSL project, your investment will pay off. Think about ways that you can use networks like Zoom to help build relationships. 

“Without in person supervision, how will I know what is expected of me?”

The CSL project will be planned and reviewed ahead of time, and be presented to you in class, prior to starting your virtual placement, or CSL project. A timeline, list of roles and responsibilities, agreement forms, training, and a student handbook will also be provided. Setting clear expectations is the responsibility of the community partner and faculty. If something is not clear, it is your responsibility to ask for clarification. If you do have questions, ask yourself if you know how to reach out to your community partner representative, team members, classmates, and teacher?   

Managing change 

Change can be stressful. Self-care, communication and flexibility will be your best assets. Every effort will be made by the BCSL team, your teacher and community organisations to inform you of any possible changes and next steps as far ahead of time as possible. A lot of students have lost jobs, and opportunities in the future seem increasingly uncertain. Your supportive role, working collaboratively and productively on projects that aid community as a whole, is valuable. Always remember that you are not alone. 

Students who complete CSL projects or placements are eligible to receive a certificate from the Office of Indigenous Initiatives acknowledging their work in support of local community.

Biidaaban Youth Group will take place in person* at the Treaty Learning Centre​​​​​​​ with the location still to be determined. 

*Snow days: Biidaaban Youth Group will be offered virtually on snow days. Participants will receive materials at their place of residence at the start of the program. Links to join the sessions will be emailed the morning of the snow day. 

Biidaaban Youth Group takes place on Wednesdays, after school to 4:30 pm. 

The Office of Indigenous Initiatives will arrange cab transportation for students to and from the campus. Contact us for more info.

Parents of youth in grades 3, 4, and 5, attending schools in the Near North District School Board are invited to register their children in grades 3, 4, and 5.

Niminowaazmin is the Office of Indigenous Initiatives' year-end celebration for Biidaaban Youth Group and Biidaaban Academic Support, honouring the successes of participating youth, their families, as well as our partners, tutors, student volunteers and employees. 

Niminowaazmin is an Anishinaabe word that means "we are celebrating".