Service-Learning and Engaged Scholarship

Service-learning is an integral part of the University's mission, deeply rooted in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

“At its core, the mission is about transforming us from VIEWERS of a disconnected and conflicted international reality, to PARTICIPANTS in creating a more interconnected and responsive global community” - Sister Dorothy Ettling, CCVI (1940-2014)

Committed to compassion so that humans and the environment may flourish

UIW currently has 200 Service-Learning Classes.
UIW most recent graduating class has done 3384 hours of service.
We serve to transform our local community, San Antonio, the third poorest city among major US cities.
We serve to transform our global community in light of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

At the University of the Incarnate Word, service-learning is explained as “a pedagogy that integrates academically relevant service activities withcourse content to address community needs. It involves students applying their knowledge and skills to real-world situations while reflecting on theirexperiences to deepen their understanding of the material and develop civic responsibility.”

Faculty are committed to engaged scholarship that addresses contemporary issues of public concern, knowledge related to ameliorating socialproblems, work that engages members of various communities, and research that examines inequities in education, health, housing, etc.