Merith Weisman Named New
Service Learning Coordinator
The
Division of Academic Affairs has selected a new coordinator
for service learning. Merith Weisman comes to the campus
from the University of Rhode Island, where she has served
as the coordinator of the Feinstein Center for Service
Learning for the past five years. Prior to her work at
the university, she served for three years as Director
of Programs for the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island
and worked for other organizations in the Rhode Island
non-profit sector. She will promote service learning on
the campus and be a representative of the University
to the larger community. She is also available to meet
with faculty to discuss service learning opportunities
and to learn about the service learning commitments, needs
and issues of the faculty, community and students.
Weisman holds a master's degree in Applied Cultural Anthropology from American University in Washington, DC. Weisman has worked with Campus Compact and taught in the URI's freshman seminar, as well as coordinated the required service- learning component of the course. She brings a strong understanding of service- learning pedagogy and best practices, coupled with experience in training and workshop development and facilitation.
Among Weisman's first responsibilities will be to undertake the move of the Office of Community Based Learning from its current location in Nichols Hall to a larger and more visible presence in the Schulz Information Center (first floor next to the Writing Center). The OCBL will undergo a name change to the Center for Community Engagement and will be linked to other community service activities on campus. Weisman reports to Julie McClure, Director of Sonoma SERVES, within the Division of Academic Affairs under Vice Provost of Academic Affairs Carol Blackshire-Belay. Additionally, she will develop an expanded advisory board for the CCE and work to develop a strategic plan for the Center. Weisman can be reached at 4-3202 or merith.weisman@sonoma.edu.