Frequently Asked Questions
The Indianapolis Community Requirement and Service
Learning
Why should I take an ICR or SL
course?
Not only will you fulfill your graduation requirement, but
you will also gain valuable experience.
What is the
Indianapolis Community Requirement
(ICR)?
All students who have entered the university on or after
the fall 2010 semester are required to take a course that involves
active engagement with the Indianapolis community.
What is an
ICR or service learning (SL) course?
The ICR or SL designation does not represent the topic of
the course, but a particular teaching method that involves (among
other things) practical, out-of-classroom experience. Either an ICR
or an SL course will satisfy the community requirement.
An ICR or SL course may be taken in the core curriculum, in the
major, or as an elective.
What is the difference between ICR and
service-learning course?
Service-learning is defined at Butler as academic learning linked
to relevant community service. It is a pedagogical approach that
combines the theoretical work of the classroom with projects in the
community that deepen students' understanding of academic issues
while engaging them in civic learning. Courses listed as ICR engage
students in the Indianapolis community but may not necessarily
follow the service-learning pedagogy.
How are ICR
courses marked in Course Search?
An ICR designated course will be coded with either an "I"
or an "S." For example, "PX 200S" and "GHS 208 08S" are both
service-learning courses that satisfy the ICR. "ES 104-I" is a
course that satisfies the ICR. Be aware that sometimes an "I" or an
"S" may be part of a different code. For instance, "BI" may stand
for "Biology," or "IS" may mean "International Studies." Some
courses may offer option ICR or SL components. That choice will be
clear in the registration process.
Visit this page for a list of
schedules ICR and SL courses.
What should
I expect from an ICR or SL course?
Count on spending time at CCC partner sites outside
the classroom. Exactly what you'll be doing will vary, but
coursework in the past has included getting to know Iraqi refugees
in Indianapolis, tutoring children in public schools, or teaching
dance.
When should
I take an ICR or SL course?
Short answer: Whenever you like.
Longer answer: There are no restrictions, although we don't
recommend enrolling in more than one per semester. Courses that
fulfill the ICR requirement will be offered every semester you're
here at Butler. The nature of the experience, however, may change
depending on the course level. Freshman ICR courses, for example,
may guide you to or from a particular major, while ICR courses for
upperclassmen may involve the practical application of specific
theories.
How much
time outside the classroom will I need to
commit?
At least 20 hours per semester. A fair rule of thumb is two
hours each week at your assigned site. These hours will typically
be outside the regularly scheduled class meetings, and are usually
spread throughout the course of the semester. Check the course
syllabus for details. Many students find that they want to commit
more than the required 20 hours, and some go on to maintain a
relationship with their site years after the course has
finished.
What will
site personnel expect of me?
To be conscientious, reliable, and respectful. To commit
yourself to the learning experience. To dress appropriately and
respect onsite rules.
Take yourself, your reflections, and your assignments seriously,
and you'll do fine.
How will I
be graded?
(1) Whether or not you have worked the minimum required
service hours. (2) The quality of your engagement at the site. (3)
Your reflection journal and other assignments that draw on your
onsite activities.
You must pass the course to get credit for the ICR. In addition
to the regular course grade, ICR courses are documented on your
transcript. If you complete the work needed for ICR credit, a
transcript notation following the course information will read:
"Indianapolis Community Requirement: Satisfied." If you fail to
complete the work needed for ICR credit, even if you pass the
course, the transcript notation will read: "Indianapolis Community
Requirement: Not Satisfied."
How do I
get to the site?
Some sites are walkable. Others require transportation.
Generally we've been able to rely on pairing students without cars
with students who have cars. In other cases, students have chosen
optional sites within walking distance.