Learn through work. Grow through service.
At Ecclesia College, education extends beyond the classroom. Work-Learning-Service helps students gain practical experience, contribute to the campus community, develop valuable workplace skills, and reduce the cost of their education.
What is Work-Learning-Service?
Work-Learning-Service is a required part of the Ecclesia College educational experience. Students serve in work assignments that support the campus and surrounding community while developing the habits and skills needed for life after college.
Students work alongside faculty, staff, supervisors, and other students in real workplace settings. Through these assignments, students learn to manage responsibilities, communicate effectively, solve problems, work as part of a team, and serve others with excellence.
More than a campus job
Work-Learning-Service connects practical experience, personal growth, and Christian service. Students learn the value and dignity of work while developing responsibility, accountability, leadership, and a Christ-centered approach to serving others.
Work with a purpose
Work-Learning-Service gives students an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution today while preparing for the responsibilities they will carry after graduation.
Reduce college costs
Students receive an $11 credit for each completed and approved work hour. The credit is applied directly to the student’s college account, helping reduce the cost of attending Ecclesia.
Build workplace skills
Students gain experience in communication, teamwork, organization, time management, problem-solving, dependability, and receiving constructive feedback.
Develop as a leader
Students learn to take initiative, accept responsibility, serve others, and contribute to a community working toward a shared mission.
Gain experience while reducing your college costs
Work schedules are arranged around students’ classes. Students receive an $11 credit toward their college account for each completed and approved work hour.
Each week, totaling approximately 180 hours per semester
This estimate is based on two 15-week semesters and completion of all assigned work hours.
Each week, totaling approximately 90 hours per semester
This estimate is based on two 15-week semesters and completion of all assigned work hours.
The amount credited to a student’s account is based on the number of approved work hours the student completes.
How students receive a work assignment
Students can share where they would most like to work. Assignments are then made according to student interests, available positions, and the needs of the campus.
Complete the application
Students receive a Work-Learning-Service application and identify their three preferred work areas.
Respond early
Completing the application promptly gives students the best opportunity to be considered for one of their preferred work areas.
Receive an assignment
The Work-Learning-Service Office considers each student’s preferences along with position availability, departmental capacity, and campus needs. Preferred assignments cannot be guaranteed.
Build a work schedule
Supervisors arrange work around the student’s classes and provide training, direction, and feedback throughout the assignment.
Where might students work?
Work-Learning-Service assignments support many parts of Ecclesia College. Available positions may change based on enrollment, departmental needs, and the number of students requesting each work area.
- Academic support
- Admissions
- Athletics
- Business Office
- Campus maintenance
- Custodial services
- Dining and food services
- Financial Aid
- Housing
- Information technology
- Library services
- Registrar’s Office
- Student Life
- Visual media
- Community organizations
- Other campus departments
Service is woven throughout the Ecclesia experience
Each semester, students dedicate at least 12 hours to serving others beyond their assigned campus work responsibilities. These experiences give students opportunities to respond to real needs, strengthen communities, and practice Christ-centered service.
Students complete both their weekly Work-Learning-Service assignment and their service-learning commitment. One activity cannot be used to fulfill both.
Hours dedicated to service learning each semester
Work-Learning-Service FAQ
Is Work-Learning-Service required?
Yes. Work-Learning-Service is a required part of the Ecclesia College educational experience.
How does Work-Learning-Service help with college costs?
Students receive an $11 credit for each completed and approved work hour. The credit is applied directly to the student’s Ecclesia College account rather than issued as a traditional paycheck.
Can students choose where they work?
Students identify their three preferred work areas on the Work-Learning-Service application. The Work-Learning-Service Office considers those preferences when making assignments, but placement depends on available positions, departmental capacity, and campus needs.
Why should students complete the application early?
Students who respond promptly have the best opportunity to be considered for one of their preferred work areas. Students who do not submit their preferences will be assigned to an available position based on campus needs.
Will work hours interfere with classes?
Work schedules are arranged around students’ class schedules. Supervisors work with students to establish regular work times that do not conflict with their scheduled classes.
Are service-learning hours included in the weekly work assignment?
No. Work and service learning provide two different kinds of experience. Students complete their weekly campus work assignment and dedicate at least 12 additional hours to service learning each semester. One activity cannot be used to fulfill both requirements.
Who should students contact with questions?
Students and families can contact the Work-Learning-Service Office at wls@ecollege.edu.
Prepare for more than your first job
At Ecclesia, you will learn in the classroom, grow through meaningful work, and put your faith into action through service.