Service

The promotion of justice and faith through service is an ideal at the center of Marquette's mission as a Catholic and Jesuit university. Sure, a university can teach philosophy and theology courses, hoping to cultivate in students the seeds of ethical and moral thought — but those seeds won't grow without action. And action is at the heart of the Marquette experience.

Marquette students respond to that call with a vigor unparalleled by most universities. Each year, more than 80 percent of Marquette undergraduates participate in community service — and that number increases annually. In fact, since 2006, Marquette has been named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll three times.

Community service is not required at Marquette, but few students leave here without leading through service in and with the community. Our students — and you — can discover that the best way to make a difference is by taking action.

Offices for service

  • Service Learning
  • Campus Ministry
  • Center for Community Service

Service Learning

Service Learning is an academic program that gives students the opportunity to perform meaningful community service that is directly related to their courses.

Each semester, approximately 1,200 students from 55 to 65 university courses work at 110 to 130 community agencies — where they can actually practice what they're learning. Students from a Spanish conversation course might work as a classroom assistant in an English as a Second Language course or students from the Psychology of Prejudice course might work with diverse populations and reflect on their own prejudices.

You'll find service learning courses in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Communication, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Nursing and in the School of Dentistry. Undergraduate and graduate courses use service learning as a pedagogy across the university. To find out what courses offer service learning, please see the Service learning snapshot.

Contact information
Location: 707 Building, room 303
Phone: (414) 288-0250

Campus Ministry

Campus Ministry offers the following faith-based service opportunities:

M.A.P.
Since 1977, Marquette students have taken meaningful service trips during spring break. The Marquette Action Program offers the chance to work and interact with people all over the United States.

I.M.A.P. Belize
Marquette students and Campus Ministry staff participate in the International Marquette Action Program during Christmas break. Working with a parish in Punta Gorda, Belize, participants help nearby rural villages.

Midnight Run
Midnight Run is a volunteer service program that began in 1988. It focuses on the needs of the hungry and homeless living in the community around Marquette. This program is organized by a team of Marquette students under the supervision of Campus Ministry.

Ignatian Collegians
Each year, dozens of students work in parishes and churches throughout the Milwaukee area teaching religious education and helping with youth programs. Commitments are for a semester or for a year and include regular reflection with other Ignatian collegians, led by Campus Ministry staff.

Contact information
Location: AMU, room 236
Phone: (414) 288-6873

Center for Community Service

The Center for Community Service provides opportunities for Marquette students to enhance, expand and enrich their total educational experience by developing a connection to community through service with others. We maintain relationships with numerous agencies in Milwaukee and promote sustained support for and awareness around community needs and strengths.

We facilitate one-time and weekend service experiences throughout the year; promote ongoing volunteer opportunities; offer resources for service preparation and reflection; advise student organizations committed to service and engagement; serve as a resource for postgraduate service opportunities nationally and internationally; provide group transportation assistance to and from service projects; and send monthly e-newsletters highlighting local volunteer needs and upcoming programs to students interested in leading through service.

The Center for Community Service also supports the year-round planning, awareness and fundraising efforts of approximately 30 student leaders who organize, promote and implement Community Day of Service, Marquette's largest service event, in April. Each year, approximately 1,500 serve their community while funds raised support the ongoing efforts of local nonprofits addressing issues of poverty. Students may apply for these leadership roles in the fall semester.

Contact through the Office of Student Development
Professional staff, Center for Community Service
Location: AMU, room 329
Phone: (414) 288-1412

Student staff, Center for Leadership, Service and Involvement
Location: AMU, room 137
Phone: (414) 288-5791
Email: mucommunity@marquette.edu