Service-Learning Initiative

What We Do

The Service-Learning Initiative (S-LI), in coordination with The Service-Learning Scholars Roundtable and other university and community partners,

• Assists in developing and maintaining collaborative university/community partnerships
• Supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of service-learning courses
• Advises faculty on the S designation for service-learning courses
• Encourages community-based scholarship
• Provides resources to prepare students for community service
• Serves as a hub for service-learning projects and events

S-LI is affiliated with the Office of Undergraduate Education. This administrative home illustrates the university’s strong commitment to S-LI and its recognition that service-learning is an important element of our academic mission.  The S-LI has strong ties with the Office of the Senior Vice President for Outreach and Engagement and numerous other university and community-based partners.

S-LI Staff

Ola Ahlqvist, Director, (614) 247-7997, e-mail

Ola Ahlqvist worked professionally with local and regional environmental planning in Finland and Sweden in the early 1990's. After completing a PhD in Geography from Stockholm University in 2001 followed by post-doctoral training at Penn State he joined The Ohio State University Department of Geography in 2005. His main research revolves around semantic uncertainty and geographic data analysis in applications ranging from land cover change, landscape history, participatory government and visualization of information uncertainty. In his latest work he brings together online maps and games in a platform for spatial collaboration, social-environmental simulation, and decision making. He teaches a Service-Learning class in cartography in collaboration with Near East Side community partners and is currently exploring course formats for creating a fruitful exchange between his geography students and local youth.

Harmony Cox, Program Coordinator, (614) 247-4439, e-mail

Harmony Cox has worked professionally with volunteerism and service since graduating from the Ohio State University in 2007. She began her career as an AmeriCorps VISTA member with the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, which sparked her interest in civic engagement and public affairs. Prior to this position, Harmony worked for three years as a program coordinator and AmeriCorps VISTA leader with the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks. Harmony has primarily worked with AmeriCorps and other national service initiatives, with a focus on combating poverty and food insecurity in Ohio. She is a certified Bridges out of Poverty trainer. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Administration with a focus on Public Policy at the John Glenn School of Public Affairs.

Support Service-Learning at Ohio State

Contributions to the Service-Learning Initiative Fund increase academic partnerships resulting in community-based learning.  To donate to this fund, go to https://www.giveto.osu.edu/igive/index.asp. In the Special Instructions box, enter the name and fund number: Service-Learning Initiative Fund (fund #312453). You can also use this fund number when making a gift through the annual Campus Campaign