About Us

The linking of UNM students and faculty to community though teaching, learning, research, and service is the primary focus and role of the CELR.

Service-learning opportunities for students originate from the community via requests from a wide range of non-profit organizations, mental health and human service agencies, schools, hospitals and health care centers, pre-school/day cares, youth-serving and youth mentoring organizations, senior citizen facilities, environmental groups, incorporated neighborhood associations, government offices, museums and community revitalization and cultural art endeavors. As the university-wide center for service-learning and civic/community engagement, the CELR not only connects students to community opportunities, but consults and monitors related to best practices and university indemnification requirements as they relate to students engaged in service.

Community agencies and organizations may contact the CELR to discuss how their agency might partner with faculty in their courses or research or with students and student groups for long-term (generally one semester-long, 2 to 6 hours per week, per student) service opportunities, and/or for one-time/short term projects.

CELR also offers a faculty development and community partner training, promoting reciprocal partnerships, engaged scholarship and service-learning pedagogy.