Service Learning

The Daniel Acker Scholars Program offers a Shared Interest Housing floor in Greiner Hall that is focused on social justice issues in Western New York and the world. Students in the Acker L.E.A.D.S. (Leadership. Experiential Learning. Achievement. Direction. Social Justice.) living learning community engage in service, leadership development, experiential learning and social justice advocacy.

The primary goals and objectives of the Acker L.E.A.D.S. Shared Interest Housing program are to:

• Enroll in CPM 205: Social Justice, a 3-credit course that teaches sophomores about various forms of social injustice (i.e., racial, housing, sexual identity, environmental, criminal) while learning ways to create lasting systemic change through organizing and activism.
• Create a strong individual and class identity for sophomore students.
• Develop a greater awareness about personal growth, values, interests, and long-term academic and career goals.
• Develop an awareness of social justice issues and gain an appreciation for civic engagement.
• Mentor first-year Acker Scholars.
• Build leadership skills.
• Help to identify and utilize campus resources.

Membership in this community requires a commitment to participating in at least 20 hours of community service and engaging in regular community reflection activities and social justice programming. Students are enrolled in a specially designed course that takes place in Greiner Hall. The group also hosts community service projects held several times a year. All Acker Scholars are welcome to attend these events.