The Service-Learning Initiative (SLI) is a unique student-led pre-orientation program that provides incoming first-year students with an immersive introduction to the array of service opportunities in and around Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Each year, over three days in the week before classes start, participants learn about and work with APPLES community partners, become more aware of local social justice issues, form lasting friendships with other engaged students and are introduced to reflection as a tool for making meaning out of service experiences.
SLI participants are also introduced to other campus and community service organizations and become connected with a network of older students who may help in their transition to Carolina. Many participants become involved with other components of the APPLES Service-Learning program or choose to be involved with planning and leading SLI for future classes of incoming first-year students.
SLI 2013 will take place Wednesday, Aug. 14 to Friday, Aug. 16. See What to Expect for a draft schedule.
Eligibility
To participate in SLI, a student must:
- Be an incoming first-year student at Carolina
- Submit an online application
- Pay a $60 program fee, once accepted
- Move into the dorms on the morning of the Wednesday before classes start
- Be ready to learn a lot and have tons of fun!
Additionally, out-of-state students must attend a University first-year orientation session prior to the program. Students who need financial assistance in order to attend should contact Natasha Vos.
Alternative Fall Break
APPLES integrates an alternative fall break experience into the SLI program to provide the opportunity for more continuity in students’ service-learning experiences at Carolina. Students who participate in SLI are eligible to apply and participate in an alternative fall break experience. This opportunity is available only to SLI participants. The SLI alternative fall break is led by two past SLI participants and enables participants to engage in service-learning focused on a particular social issue during the fall break of their first semester. More information on this opportunity will be made available to participants during SLI each year.
Apply
Applications for the 2013 Service-Learning Initiative are now open and are available online through the CCPS Application and Nomination Portal and due July 21. Applicants will be notified about the status of their application by July 29.
Accepted Students
Please complete the following forms and return them, along with your $60 participant fee to:
APPLES Service-Learning program
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Campus Box 5210
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-5210
Checks should be made payable to APPLES Service-Learning program with “SLI fee” in the memo line. Paying this fee serves as a commitment to participating in SLI and is non-refundable.
For more information, contact APPLES SLI student chair Jessica Jenkins.