38 Beyond the Classroom: Community Engaged Learning in Animal Sciences

Abstract

Abstract “Companion Animals” is a sophomore level elective in the Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri (MU). This class focuses primarily on dogs, cats, and horses. Topics covered include the pet industry, breeds, wellness, management, care, training, zoonotic diseases, evolution and domestication, toxicology, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, human animal interactions, and biomedical research. As this course is designated a biological science course, several non-majors also enroll in the class each year. What makes this course different from other courses taught in the Division is that it is a “service-learning course.” This means that students volunteer 20-35 hours with non-profits and neighborhood organizations, including the local animal shelter and equine therapy services for persons with disabilities. The partnerships are coordinated by the Office of Service Learning at MU. The benefits for the students include 1) development of professional skills and exploration of possible careers, 2) civic engagement, 3) public service leadership, and 4) understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion. Together, the students in the course perform more >850 hours of community service and their engagement creates >$18,500 of positive economic impact in the state of Missouri. Overall, 93% of MU students would recommend their service experience to a friend. Early in the semester, Dr. Rivera, the course coordinator, meets for 15 minutes with each student to learn about the reason they chose their service, invariably the majority answer, “because of the animals.” Also, at the end of the semester Dr. Rivera meets for 15 minutes with each student to learn about their volunteering experience. When asked “what was the best part of the service?” the vast majority of the students respond “the people.” In conclusion, the general life skills, social conscience, and personal growth that the students attain from their service is not attainable in the typical classroom setting.