The University of Notre Dame Australia is launching a distinctive new course that will give students the opportunity to contribute to meaningful community change while earning credit towards their degree.
The Volunteering for Community Impact course enables students to volunteer with a non-profit or social enterprise, critically examining the business model and social impact of the organisation.
The course is unique in encouraging students from all faculties to step beyond the classroom into a real-world experience while also earning credit points.
It launches in Semester 2 and will be available across all three of Notre Dame’s campuses in Fremantle, Broome and Sydney.
Students will be encouraged to develop their leadership skills, apply what they have learnt in their studies, explore ethical challenges and reflect on how the experience shapes them both personally and professionally.
Course co-ordinator Dr José Sakakibara said the course reflected Notre Dame’s commitment to educating students for the common good.
“What makes this course unique is that it is open to students from every discipline and combines academic learning with meaningful service to the community,” he said.
“We want students to critically reflect on the experience, connect it to their studies and receive academic recognition for the contribution they are making.
“It is not simply about building professional skills, although students will certainly do that. It is also about developing ethical responsibility, active citizenship and a deeper understanding of how they can contribute to society.”
Enrolments for the Volunteering for Community Impact course are now open. For more information, contact Dr Sakakibara at jose.sakakibara@nd.edu.au
Media Contact: media@nd.edu.au