Dr. Tatjana Takševa, Professor and Chair of the Department of English Language and Literature at Saint Mary's University, is featured in a recent university news story on the growing impact of Experiential Learning (EL)/ Community Service Learning (CSL).
As CSL continues to expand across disciplines, Dr. Takševa emphasizes its value for English students, noting that the program creates opportunities to connect critical thinking and literary study with real-world engagement. By linking academic theory to community-based experience, CSL enables students to apply their knowledge in meaningful and socially responsive ways.
The program has seen significant growth, now supporting hundreds of students annually through partnerships that address community-identified needs. For the Department of English, this model reinforces a commitment to experiential community-engaged learning—an approach that prepares students to contribute thoughtfully both within and beyond the university.