CSL Research Collaborative (CSLRC)

An IUPUI Signature Center

Mission

The mission of the Center for Service and Learning Research Collaborative (CSLRC) is to:

• Increase the capacity of IUPUI faculty to engage in research on service learning practice on several themes: (a) international service learning, (b) assessing outcomes, and (c) retention of first-year and minority students, (d) campus-community partnerships.
• Convene internal and external service learning scholars to develop new conceptual frameworks and methodological tools to improve the quality of service learning research.
• Disseminate high quality scholarship through Research Briefs, annual Service Learning Research monographs, presentations at scholarly conferences, and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Unique and Distinctive Features

The CSLRC places IUPUI at the forefront of research on service learning, just as it is at the forefront nationally and internationally of service learning practice. The activities of the CSLRC have contributed to research and scholarship by IUPUI, established the CSL’s prominence nationally and internationally for research on service learning and civic engagement, and developed both internal and external partnerships that will continue to contribute to program goals.  Through the CSLRC, IUPUI has become known not only as a producer of service learning research, but also as a convener of national and international scholars through symposia, conferences, and workshops. CSLRC holds an annual Research Academy for scholars wanting to pursue research projects on service learning.  Additionally, as a result of its spreading reputation in this field, during the period from 2007-2010 the CSLRC has hosted 51 visiting national and international scholars seeking consultations on service learning research and practice.  In October, 2010 the CSLRC hosted over 400 scholars from around the world at the 10th annual conference of the International Association for Research on Service Learning and Community Engagement. 

Research & Scholarly Activities

Research and scholarship of the CSLRC have centered around four key goals in our strategic plan:

• Increasing capacity of scholars from a variety of disciplines at IUPUI and other institutions to conduct research and scholarship on service learning.
• Convening scholars to develop new conceptual frameworks and methodological tools for research on service learning and civic engagement.
• Conducting and publishing research on service learning.
• Disseminating results and providing consultations on research and scholarship around service learning.

Read the CSL Research Collaborative Year Reports (2007-2010)