Service Learning Agreements (SLA)

What Is Service Learning?

Service Learning combines academic coursework with hands-on experience for students through partnerships with off-campus or on-campus organizations, businesses, non-profits, federal/state/local public agencies, and university related institutions. These opportunities help students build their resumes, explore career paths, and apply classroom concepts in real-world settings.

A Service-Learning Agreement (SLA) is required for students who participate in a university-sponsored service learning activities. A university-sponsored activity is one that is officially approved, organized, or endorsed by SDSU—typically tied to academic credit, course requirements, or university programs, and conducted under the direction of university personnel. SLAs ensure adherence to a scope of work designed in collaboration between the University and the outside organization, proper insurance coverage, and liability protection. Once executed, an SLA remains valid for five years.

Service Learning Agreement Requirements and Process

Step 1 - SLAs In-effect

Step 2 - New SLAs

  • SLAs must be initiated by an SDSU college or department representative and submitted through the prepopulated Adobe Sign Workflow.  

Step 3 - Changes to SLA 

  • All changes to the SLA template must be approved by Contracts and Procurement Management, which can be reached at: [email protected] for initiating and completing an SLA can be found in the following guide:


If there is a specific question regarding the process or an SLA, please contact [email protected].

Resources

The following documents are/may be required depending on the nature of the service-learning activity:

  • Internship Site Questionnaire (ISQ) (Required for all SLAs)
  • Business Associate Agreement (BAA)

These resources help assess the suitability of a service site and ensure compliance with SDSU policies and data protection standards.