CSL Certificate Grads - Fall 2025
The Certificate in Community Engagement and Service-Learning allows students to demonstrate that they have significantly integrated CSL into their postsecondary education. The knowledge and experience students gain through service-learning are relevant and applicable to a wide range of careers, including those in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the volunteer sector, business and government, and academic institutions.
We extend our congratulations to the students convocating this Fall with the Certificate in Community Engagement and Service-Learning. Thank you for integrating CSL into your studies.
Hear from a few CSL Certificate students about their experience:
Pauleanne Codilla | BA Psychology
Why did you decide to pursue the CSL certificate?
I have always loved volunteering and experiential learning. So when I heard about the CSL Certificate, I knew I had to pursue it! CSL was the perfect opportunity to combine my love for community service with my academic learning.
How did you integrate CSL into your degree?
To fulfill my CSL requirements, I completed 4 CSL courses and 30 hours of non-credit learning.
The 4 CSL courses and placements I completed were: WGS 102 (with Migrante Alberta), PSYCH 329 (with Meals on Wheels), CSL 100 (with the UofA Campus Food Bank), and CSL 370 (with S.N.A.P. & Boyle Street Community Services).
For my non-credit learning opportunity, I collaborated with the Rotary Club of Edmonton Riverview on their Dinner for Students Project from March 2023 to February 2025. The club launched this project in response to rising tuition, grocery, and living expenses among post-secondary students. The project aimed to reduce students' stress by providing them with free, home-cooked meals every month.
What was your favourite CSL placement or experience?
For my CSL placement in PSYCH 329: Adult and Aging with Dr. Rust, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Meals on Wheels through their Friendly Caller Program.
The Friendly Caller Program connects volunteers with participants looking for a social connection. As a Friendly Caller, I phoned participants once a week. We engaged in many conversations, covering topics like books and TV shows, the Edmonton Oilers, and even their fondest childhood memories!
Most participants of the program were older adults who shared stories about their experiences with aging. This was especially meaningful as a PSYCH 329 student, as it allowed me to connect my classroom learning with real-life experiences shared by the participants. I walked away from the course with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the unique challenges and joys that come with aging.
What impact did CSL have on your academic and career goals?
I have found great value in my CSL experiences. They have allowed me to apply my classroom knowledge to real-world situations, while encouraging me to be more reflective and intentional in my learning. CSL also helped me view community service through a critical lens, something I had not done in my previous volunteer work.
Most importantly, CSL reminded me of my love for working with people. It taught me the importance of collaborating with communities and learning from them, rather than simply stepping in to help. This perspective is something I will continue to carry forward in everything that I do.
Cynthia Cao | BA Psychology
Why did you decide to pursue the CSL certificate?
I didn’t know that it existed at first. It wasn’t until my third CSL course that I learned of it, and since by then I had completed 3 courses already, I figured I might as well pursue the certificate, as I greatly enjoyed the work and planned to take more classes like the ones I’d already done. My CSL courses have been some of the most valuable experiences to me through my entire time at the U of A.
How did you integrate CSL into your degree?
CSL was already a part of some of the required courses for my degree. Going into my degree, I understood that there were certain things I could not learn in a classroom alone. Interacting and working with different communities provided a unique insight into my studies that I otherwise would not have had. With these placements, I could better connect with my coursework and enhance my understanding of the subjects.
What was your favourite CSL placement or experience?
My favourite placement was probably my first, with the Richard Secord Out of School Care Society. There, I looked over kids from kindergarten to grade 6. Of course with young children, every moment was interesting and though difficult at times, the skills and knowledge I had picked up there over the course of the term has stuck with me and inspired me to pursue a career working with children. Though I thoroughly enjoyed my other CSL placements, this one had made the biggest impact on me.
What impact did CSL have on your academic and career goals?
When I started university, I was pretty lost and didn’t know what I wanted to do after I’ve completed my degree. Because of that lack of direction, I didn't really know what exactly I had wanted out of my studies either; it wasn't until after taking my CSL classes that I realized that I found working closely with other people very fulfilling. CSL helped me very much in investing myself in my studies and giving me a goal to work towards.