FAQ about ICR and Service Learning

Not only will you fulfill your graduation requirement, but you will also gain valuable experience and learn about yourself and community.

All students are required to take a course that involves active engagement with the Indianapolis community.

The ICR or SL designation does not represent the topic of the course, but a particular teaching method that involves (among other things) reflection about out-of-classroom experience in relation to course learning goals. Either an ICR or an SL course will satisfy the community requirement.

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.

ICR designated courses can be found through the “class search” function in my.butler.edu. Use the “Course Attribute” option to search for “Indianapolis Community Rqmt” courses. ICR courses may be found in the core curriculum, in the major, or among elective courses, so be sure to explore all options. It is possible that only specific sections of a given course can be used to satisfy the ICR. To ensure the section you want satisfies the ICR, check the section description for the course.

Some courses may offer optional ICR components. When you register for one of these courses, you will need to select the “Requirement Designation Option” to enroll in the ICR component of the class.

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 teaching English to refugees in Indianapolis, tutoring children in public schools, working with staff and animals at the Humane Society of Indianapolis, or partnering with community-based organizations.

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. First year ICR courses, for example, may help orient you to service and empathy, while ICR courses at the 300 or 400 level may involve the application of specific theories.

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.

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.

This will vary by the class, so check the syllabus. In general, you will be evaluated on (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.”

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.