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Three Mandatory Orientation Classes for First-time SSLP students:
April 10 or 11:
6:00–8:45 p.m. Theological Reflection
Preparation: Complete the SSLP Pre-survey
April 17 or 18:
6:00–8:00 p.m. Developing Cultural Competence
April 24 or 25:
6:00–8:00 p.m. Poverty Studies and Catholic Social Thought
Reading: Selections from Ruby Payne, Bridges Out of Poverty;Synod of Bishops, Justice in the World
Mandatory Orientation Classes for Second-time SSLP students:
April 17 or 18: Developing Cultural Competence
Sunday, April 29: 2:00–5:00 p.m. Geddes Hall

The SSLP is a three-credit Theology course (S/U) with an eight consecutive week immersion. The Center invites Notre Dame Alumni Clubs to sponsor students to work in an agency or parish in the local community of the Club. The Center recruits Notre Dame students who are interested in expanding their education by working with and learning from persons who are marginalized in society. In 2011, 118 Notre Dame Alumni Clubs sponsored 227 Notre Dame students in sites across the country.
This course consists of classroom sessions in April, reading and writing during the eight week immersion, and a follow-up classroom sessions in the fall. This course does not fulfill the University’s required theology courses, but it does count as an elective. The Notre Dame Alumni Clubs, the James F. Andrews Scholarship Fund, and other special scholarship funds provide a $2,500 Social Concerns Scholarship to students at the completion of this eight week summer experience and the academic requirements. Room and board are provided by the Clubs or by the site. Some students serve in their local communities and live at home.
View the Summer Service Learning Video. View the Legacy of James F. Andrews Video. View the 2011 Andrews Annual SSLP Booklet. |
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James F. Andrews |
Application, Interview, and Placement Process Information
Additional SSLP Information
SSLP Course Information
Site Supervisors
Alumni Clubs
PDF forms require the use of Adobe Reader available for download at www.adobe.com.
Please contact Andrea Smith Shappell with any questions.
Stephen Zerfas
Hope Ministries
Notre Dame Club of St. Joseph Valley
SSLP PUBLICATIONS
Smith Shappell, A. and S. Barbato, (2010). “Post-Immersion Reflective Practices,” Journal of College and Character,Vol. 11 Iss. 3.
Smith Shappell, A. (2010)., “Reflection as a Means of Discovery” in Transformations at the Edge of the World, Abilene Christian University Press.
Beckman, M., Brandenberger, J., Shappell, A., (2009). "Graduate Students and Community-Based Learning" Academic Exchange Quarterly, 13(3).
Smith Shappell, A. (2006). "Methods of Theological Reflection in the Summer Service Learning Program: Integrating Spirituality and Civic Engagement" Journal of College and Character, Volume VIII, No. 1.