Orientation: Contacting Agencies

Speaking with an Approved Agency

Ask questions by phone to see if your hours and skills match the agency’s needs

If it seems like a good match, set up an interview, visit the agency, and discuss your placement.
Provide the agency with a copy of your class syllabus so your objectives are clear.
Arrange a date and time you may begin your Service Learning experience with the supervisor.
Begin a time sheet.
Be sure your service relates to your CNM class.

Ask the approved agency about:

Service Learning location: office address and service location may differ.
Hours: Office hours and service hours may differ. An agency’s required hours may differ from CNM's requirement of 15 hours per term.
Parking: Where do I park when I get there? Is it free? Is it safe?
Bus services: If this is an option, is there a direct route?
Special requirements: Does the agency require fingerprinting, clothing, uniforms, shoes, or TB testing?
Agency orientation for students. This time does NOT count toward the required CNM Service Learning hours.

The designated agency contact person is no longer at the agency.
Solution: Call or email other approved agencies.
Agencies aren’t calling you back or responding to your emails.
Solution: Call or email every chosen agency every day. The first one to respond will win your good work.
The agency has all the Service Learning students they need.
Solution: Call or email other approved agencies.
I can’t find an agency that works for me.
Solution: Reconsider the Service Learning option this term. Try again next term. If it's not an option, again, move on and keep calling other agencies.