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Service Learning

The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing believes service is fundamental to nursing education and professional practice. Service-learning experiences support the School's mission to develop nursing leaders and improve health within and beyond Mississippi through excellence in education, research, practice, and service. Through meaningful community engagement, students gain opportunities to apply classroom knowledge, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Consistent with the School's vision of empowering nurse leaders and transforming health care, service-learning activities foster advocacy, cultural humility, community engagement, and a commitment to addressing health disparities. These experiences challenge students to embody UMMC’s core values of integrity, respect, excellence, compassion, and professionalism while serving diverse populations.

All undergraduate and graduate nursing students are required to complete a minimum of eight service-learning hours each academic year. The academic year begins with the summer semester and concludes at the end of the spring semester. Service-learning activities pre-approved by the Office of Student Affairs and are intentionally designed to connect academic learning with meaningful service to the community.

Learning Outcomes

Through service-learning experiences, students will:

• Increase self-awareness and understanding of health disparities within Mississippi and beyond.
• Develop the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for individuals, families, and communities.
• Recognize the connection between professional nursing values, service, and social responsibility.
• Enhance cultural humility through engagement with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Strengthen communication, patient education, and health promotion skills in community settings.
• Demonstrate leadership through service and community engagement.

Tracking Service Hours

Students are required to document all approved service-learning activities through GivePulse. Detailed instructions on finding and documenting service-learning hours are available through the SON Student Resources Canvas course.