Definition of Service

Our patron saint, Francis, stressed the theme of love and brotherhood, and reached beyond his social status to help individuals in need. Just as St. Francis turned his back on wealth and luxury to embrace poverty and dedicated himself to helping the poor and the weak, the College of Education of the University of St. Francis embraces the community and its needs. Our programs extend to the community at large through collaborations with schools, religious institutions, social service agencies, businesses, and government. Candidates are expected to view their vocation as an educator as a calling in which the needs of students and the community take on primary importance. Service is not limited to schools but may extend to families, communities, and professional cultures. The College of Education believes that service, especially to the traditionally underserved, should be of central concern for educators, and it values those practices that promote systemic change and social justice for the betterment of the community.

The College of Education and our candidates demonstrate "Serving the Community":

• By believing in students and holding high expectations
• By serving other’s needs before our own
• By modeling respectful and compassionate behavior
• By dedicating ourselves to serving the poor, the weak, and the underserved
• By building up others through encouragement and affirmation
• By being an advocate for children and adolescents especially the marginalized and the helpless; and
• By following St. Francis and becoming an instrument of peace and working for social justice and the betterment of the community