ARW: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

If you've got a question about ARW, we might already have the answer here! Check out the list below, and, if you still have questions, know that you can always ask us at service-learning@usask.ca.

• What is the purpose or theme for the week?
• Is there any cost to participate?
• Who can participate?
• What is the College recognition?
• What are the activities?
• What are the placements?
• Can I choose my placement?
• How do I apply?
• When do I apply?
• How do I get more information?

What is the purpose or theme for the week?

This Alternative Reading Week experience is designed to give participants a unique opportunity to get involved in and introduced to the work underway in our wider community. It also provides local organizations with some help and the chance to spread knowledge about their organization and its work. Information and discussion sessions provide links between these experiences and academics. The Core Experience stream focuses on poverty awareness and alleviation efforts in our core neighbourhoods. The Harm Reduction stream focuses on various approaches to harm reduction - from bullying to needle exachanges. There are other themes being developed, each with their own focus, but the intent and structure are similar.

Is there any cost to participate?

This opportunity is provided FREE. Transportation between the University and the placements and during the day, the lunches, and afternoon activity costs are all covered by the program.

Who can participate?

Any undergraduate student at the University of Saskatchewan can participate. If you are a graduate student, you may also be able to participate - contact service-learning@usask.ca for more information. Please note (and see below) that College recognition is only in place from certain Colleges, though you will still receive recognition for your full participation in the program.

What is the College recognition?

Student participants will receive a certificate and a signed individual letter of thanks. This letter will be from your college, if it is in place for your college. If not in place for your college, you will still receive recognition for your full participation in the program. These certificates and letters are typically presented during the final post-Week meeting of Alternative Reading Week.

What are the activities?

The activities in the mornings depend on the placement. One example is with the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre, where participants have, in past, been able to work with the front reception, intake (for the food hamper distribution), and in the warehouse itself where you can see firsthand how much food goes through this building every day.

The lunchtime activities are, beyond the food of course, a chance for participants to get to know each other and local residents.

The afternoon programming contains reflection activities, information sessions, and additional and more specific introductions to organizations other than those for the placements. In the Harm Reduction stream, as an example, one afternoon was spent with the STC (Saskatoon Tribal Council) Health Centre, learning about their programs and approach to harm reduction.

What are the placements?

Placements are with various charitable and non-profit organizations that work in areas related to the streams of focus for Alternative Reading Week. In the Core Experience stream, for example, partner organizations (like the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre) work in and around our core neighbourhoods. For all streams, students will have access to information about the partner organizations at or before the first pre-Week meeting. From these organizations presented, students will have the opportunity to select where they would like to go for the Week.

Can I choose my placement?

Every effort will be made to match participants with their preference and team students with their friends, if they so wish. Around the time of the first pre-Week meeting, students will be asked for their top choices for placement. Based on these preferneces and on the options available, students will be assigned a placement. Students will then have a chance to learn more about their specific placement.

How do I apply?

You apply online :). Remember that Alternative Reading Week is an annual event so check back for more information on applications in every fall.

Applications are reviewed as they are received and you will usually receive notice of your acceptance within 2 to 3 days of us receiving the application.

When do I apply?

Well, since applications are reviewed as they are received, it's best to apply as soon as possible to ensure your space. If you are interested in participating in Dynamics of Community Involvement, you can apply now and register along with your other classes.

How do I get more information?

If you didn't find an answer to your question here, or would like further information, please contact the Alternative Reading Week Team at service-learning@usask.ca