Though many think of HIV/AIDS as being more of an issue in other countries and continents, Minnesota continues to see an increase in the number of new HIV cases reported. Since 2004, 18 St. Thomas faculty members have incorporated an HIV/AIDS-related service-learning component in 79 sections of classes involving 1,395 students in 14 different disciplines.
Faculty members are invited to participate in a workshop about developing a service-learning component in one or more of their courses in cooperation with Open Arms of Minnesota or the Minnesota AIDS Project, two organizations with whom St. Thomas is working in its HIV/AIDS initiatives through the Office for Service-Learning.
The workshop will provide an opportunity to explore service-learning possibilities for courses in conversation with staff from these organizations. Other faculty members who have worked with these organizations will join workshop participants as well.
The Service-Learning and HIV/AIDS Faculty Workshop will be held Monday through Wednesday, May 23-25. Monday and Wednesday sessions will meet from 1 to 4 p.m. on campus in Room 315, McNeely Hall. The Tuesday session will meet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Open Arms of Minnesota in Minneapolis, which will include time to participate in a meal delivery.
Contact Barbara Baker, program manager for service-learning, (651) 962-5380, with questions or to sign up by Friday, May 13. The Office for Service-Learning is offering a stipend for workshop participants.
If you are unable to attend the workshop but want to consider development of a service-learning component, e-mail Kim Vrudny, associate professor of systematic theology and project director for HIV/AIDS initiatives.
