Service-learning at Saint Anselm helps to advance the College's mission to develop "creative and generous" students. For faculty to embrace service-learning as a teaching tool, however, it needed to be integrated into the curriculum in a manner that remained true to the academic standards and principles for which Saint Anselm is known. The ultimate service-learning model was defined with early and ongoing input from the academic dean, and it has become the framework followed by most faculty. Saint Anselm College's Service-learning Model establishes:

1. Service-learning is always one of several options for students. This respects the student's right to choose, and it places equal value on a range of learning strategies.
   
2. The service-learning option always represents a small part of the final grade, usually ranging from 15-20 percent.  High academic standards are maintained by placing appropriate weight on all aspects of class learning. 
   
3. Service-learning at Saint Anselm, consistent with accepted definitions, ensures rigorous integration of academic content. This is frequently evaluated through a journal, final paper and/or presentation.
   
4. Faculty at Saint Anselm are encouraged to engage students in significant reflection. Each faculty member devises their own manner of reflection, with strategies ranging from journals and Blackboard or in-class discussions. The Meelia Center holds separate out-of-class reflections facilitated by students and administrators. For the past several years, service-learning faculty have joined together in an end of the semester interdisciplinary reflection/celebration, to which community agency personal and campus administrators are also invited.