The Center for Ignatian Service educates undergraduate students at Saint Louis University through coursework closely linked to the University Core.
Pursue a Minor in Ignatian Service
iServe@SLU
Saint Louis University’s Ignatian service minor integrates reflection, leadership and professional formation through project-based community engagement. Be challenged to help transform a city while the city transforms your education.
Complete Spirituality and Service Coursework
SERV 1000: Ignatian Spirituality and Service
Guided by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, SERV 1000: Ignatian Spirituality and Service meets students where they are and leads them on a journey of encountering: "who we are, what we do, and how we do it" as they learn to work together toward the integral human development for all.
This course is for students who:
- Are seeking a unique way to fulfill the Ultimate Questions Core requirement
- Have been involved in and/or are interested in integrating service into their academic studies
- Are curious about exploring spirituality as a way of life, as they discover its practical implications
- Students interested in service can complete their core requirements while also meeting the requirements for the service minor
FAQ About SERV 1000
Yes, all schools require background checks. Archdiocese schools also require Protecting God's Children training as part of the clearance process, which the center facilitates. The center helps SLU students get all of the background check documents in order depending on the school site they choose.
Currently, the center operates service-learning during the fall and spring 16-week semesters. Service onboarding begins the first week of class during scheduled service times. We process background clearances in week one and student orientation/training in week two. Service usually begins the third week of the semester and ends the week before finals; it is optional during official University holidays (e.g., spring break).
While prior experience might be helpful, it is not required and students don't need any experience in robotics, reading and/or soccer. Service sites have fellows who are trained in those topics and facilitate the technical aspects of programming at each school. All other participants from SLU assist students as they work through their tasks. Come ready to co-learn with the students you are accompanying.
Vans leave from and return to the parking lot of Boileau Hall (28 N. Vandeventer). At a future date, the location will change to 321 N. Spring, which is the new headquarters of the Center for Ignatian Service.
Email iserv@slu.edu. Our team will respond to all inquiries and help you take the necessary steps to efficiently get you involved in the networked educational pathway.
Background clearances, service orientation, and attendance are the major requirement at the service sites, however, we also ask that SLU students respect the school dress codes (do not wear inappropriate or revealing clothing) and show up regularly each week. Let us know if you ever can't make it to a service site.
Eleven courses SERV service-learning courses at SLU require at least 25 hours of service at an approved site for about two hours per week for at least 12 weeks. All courses produce an “assessed artifact” as part of the academic content of the syllabus.
Geofencing software (Track It Forward) is used to track attendance for SERV courses. At the service sites students/volunteers use a mobile app to check-in. Center staff shares attendance with SLU faculty. Students can also easily submit excused absences.