Community Engagement Opportunities

UNO Office of Engagement

Community Engagement Opportunities for Students

At UNO, your education extends beyond the classroom. UNO students can connect their coursework, career goals, and personal passions with meaningful community experiences.

Whether you want to apply what you’re learning, build your résumé, explore leadership, or make a difference in Omaha and beyond — there’s a path for you.

Learn more about the UNO Office of Engagement (OE) and our units at engage.unomaha.edu. 

Service Learning & Community-Based Learning Courses

(in class learning experiences) 

What Is Service Learning?

Service learning is a hands-on, collaborative approach to learning that connects your coursework to real community needs. Instead of learning only in a traditional classroom, you may work alongside nonprofits, businesses, schools, or government agencies in the community as part of your course.

Community partners serve as co-educators, and your projects directly support community-identified goals. Throughout the course, you’ll reflect on how your experience connects to your readings, research, personal values, and professional development.  

Why Take a Service Learning Course?

By choosing a service learning course, you can:

  • Apply textbook knowledge to real-world challenges
  • Develop and discover your strengths
  • Explore your leadership style
  • Build teamwork and communication skills
  • Strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Gain hands-on experience employers' value
  • Build your résumé while earning credit
  • Explore the strengths, resources, and opportunities within our community How to Find Service Learning Courses

In the class search function:

  • Select “Service Learning” under the Program tab.

What Is Community-Based Learning?

Community-based learning (CBL) is a type of professional experience that provides an opportunity to apply academic knowledge or learn more about a specific profession. CBL experiences differ from service learning courses- they are professional experiences that provide an opportunity to put academic knowledge into practice or learn more about a specific profession.

Here are some examples:

  • Internship (credit or non-credit applies)
  • Practicum (requirement through your program or area of study)
  • Research that involves or benefits the community
  • Capstone projects
  • Undergraduate thesis that involves or benefits the community
  • Global engagement/study abroad experience with community-based learning focus
  • One year as an intern through The Student Service and Leadership Collaborative (The Collaborative)
  • Academic Learning Community Requirements (Community-engaged research, narrative portfolios, etc.)

 Volunteer & Civic Engagement Programs

(out of class learning experiences)

Want to get involved outside of class? UNO offers a variety of volunteer and civic engagement programs that help you serve, advocate, and lead.

Each year, students participate in campus-wide initiatives, service projects, and civic learning experiences that address real community issues. The Office of Engagement facilitates the experiences with the community partners, so students can just show up to the activities. 

Volunteer Experiences

  • MLK Jr. Day of Service
  • Spring Break Service
  • Earth Day of Service
  • 60 Minutes of Service
  • Mavs Make a Difference

  Check out all the different opportunities on the OE events website. 

  You can also get our emails with all these opportunities and more. Sign up online.

These experiences help you:

  • Build professional and civic skills
  • Expand your network
  • Connect with community leaders
  • Strengthen your interview stories and references
  • Explore advocacy and public leadership

Civic Engagement & Advocacy Opportunities

Civic engagement at UNO means understanding how communities and government function — and learning how to be an informed, active participant.

UNO has a strong national reputation for student voter engagement and civic participation. Beyond voting, students engage in dialogue, advocacy, and public service experiences that develop skills in communication, collaboration, and change-making.

Examples of Civic Engagement Pathways

  • Participating in AmeriCorps VISTA programs
  • Serving in the Peace Corps (domestic or international)
  • Attending state and national advocacy events such as “I Love NU Day”
  • Engaging in public dialogue and policy education programs Civic engagement helps you understand:
  • How government operates
  • How to advocate effectively
  • How to become a leader in your community Civic Engagement Experiences
  • Engaged & Empowered Civic Workshop Series
  • UNO Capitol Experience Day
  • National Voter Registration Day
  • National Voter Education Week
  • Election Hero Day

Community Engaged Scholarship Transcript Designation (CES)

Want your community engagement recognized on your official transcript?

The CES formally documents your sustained commitment to community engagement and gives you a competitive edge for graduate school and employment.

Requirements

To earn the designation, students must complete:

  • 1 community-based learning experience (3 credit hours)
  • 6 additional hours of service-learning coursework
  • 135 volunteer/community service hours (outside of class)
  • Reflection pieces for each category plus a final reflection
  • A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at graduation

  Enroll or learn more on the CES website.

Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC)

The Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC) is the physical hub of community engagement at UNO.

As a metropolitan university, UNO prepares students to be active and engaged members of a diverse and evolving society — and the CEC makes that possible.

At the CEC, students can access:

  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Service events
  • Community-based internships and student jobs
  • Engagement-focused programs and events
  • Reserve meeting and event space

The CEC is home to 35+ university and community partner organizations working side-by-side to improve quality of life in our community.

Not Sure Where to Start?

  The UNO Office of Engagement is here to help you connect your education with meaningful impact. If you need help, connect with us through our online inquiry form.