About CSA

The Pam Rector Center for Service and Action offers students and graduates a range of opportunities to volunteer their time serving those who are disadvantaged or oppressed. Service opportunities are available both locally and abroad through dedicated service groups or special events.

Participating LMU students develop a well-defined sense of self and confidence and they learn to spearhead meaningful contributions in their own community. First-year LMU students, in particular, quickly learn the university resources available to them and become more engaged in student life, while developing personal accountability, good judgment and independent thinking towards a balanced life.

The CSA also serves as an on-campus resource for faculty and students working to integrate Community-Based Learning programs into their curricula.

Contact CSA

Email: csa@lmu.edu
Phone: 310-338-2959
Location: St. Robert's Annex

Loyola Marymount University
Center for Service and Action
St. Robert's Annex
One LMU Drive, MS 8450
Los Angeles, CA 90045-2659

History of Center for Service & Action

1982: Educational Participation in Communities Program

In 1982, Mr. Richard Riordan and Fr. Donald Merrifield, SJ, President of Loyola Marymount University, signed an agreement establishing the Educational Participation in Communities Program (EPIC) Program for Community Service. Mr. Riordan endowed the EPIC Program in 1983 for the purpose of promoting, coordinating and supervising volunteer service with charitable agencies among Loyola Marymount University undergraduates.

1999: Center for Community Service and Internships

In the fall of 1999, EPIC was renamed the Center for Community Service and Internships (CCSI). The new name more succinctly and aptly described the function of the office in linking students with community service or assisting students in internships.

2000: Center for Service and Action

In the summer of 2000, CCSI was renamed the Center for Service and Action (CSA). The office was moved from Career Development Services (CDS) and became a department under the Dean of Students. It is hoped that this change would allow a better integration of community service with the many clubs, Greek Societies, Service Organizations, and residence halls.

Mission

The mission of CSA is to educate and form individuals with and for others, especially the disadvantaged and the oppressed. Through direct personal contact between students and the marginalized in community based experiences, we foster kinship with others that will lead to intellectual inquiry, moral reflection and social action.

Learning Outcomes

Students involved with the Center for Service and Action within the Division of Student Affairs will:

• Develop a well-defined sense of self and confidence in their abilities and gifts.
• Integrate knowledge and experience in the process of discernment to make life-giving decisions.
• Take initiative to make meaningful contributions as citizens within and beyond their communities.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of the human experience and embody the ideals of interculturalism.

First-year students involved with the Center for Service and Action within the Division of Student Affairs will:

• Value the opportunities for exploration and growth created by participation in this diverse University community.
• Know the availability of University resources and access them when necessary to enhance their success as University students.
• Become engaged members in the University community.
• Develop personal accountability, good judgment and independent thinking toward a balanced life.