Students gain many benefits
from participation in public service projects. Although the amount of work invested by a project team is
appreciable (typically at least 1,000 hours of student work), students
gain a number of useful skills and contacts. Team
members acquire communication and organizational experience by learning
how to give and receive information, how to begin and end a long-term
project, and how to manage team members with diverse backgrounds. Team
members also learn how to utilize available resources. The teams have access
to faculty in many fields, exceptionally strong libraries,
and computer facilities. At
the completion of the public service project, therefore, students
are confident and well-equipped to work in and lead interdisciplinary
teams.
The benefits to public service project clients are also substantial. Many project recommendations made by the
past teams have been adopted by their respective clients. Also, team recommendations
often include ideas that are based on information not
previously considered by the client. This new information provides the
client with a fresh perspective on the project. The objectivity represented by a strong public university is also an
appreciable benefit to a client. Project reports from past years are often
referred to by government agencies and citizen groups, and are sought out
by consultants seeking information on problems that have been considered
in a public service project.
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