Students in COM 399, Community Field Placement, complete 60 hours of faculty approved field experience in volunteer community service. Students complete the required 60 hours in a community organization where they are able to interact with members in the community. The focus of the course is to develop an understanding of the relationship between communication and community. Students write reflective papers and essays based on the course book "Who's Helping?" as well as their volunteer experience. All students who major in communications at Oakland University are required to take this course and it is the major's capstone course.

Dr. David Lau teaches this course every semester and every semester his students have wonderful experiences with great stories to tell. Below are a few of their experiences.



McKinley Elementary School

Lisa Bunt completed her 60 hours of field experience at McKinley Elementary School in Warren. Lisa completed her hours by working with a range of students and teachers but she spent a lot of her time in Mrs. Betcher's second and third grade split class. She was able  to work with one grade level on homework, MEAP prep, and other assignments including reading, writing and math while Mrs. Betcher worked with the other grade. The principal of the school Ms Powell was very pleased with Lisa and her commitment to the school and children. The students also enjoyed the individual attention and help Ms Bunts was able to give them. Lisa worked with third grade students on MEAP prep and she was able to allow each child to practice reading out loud. She then guided them in answering questions based on the reading. Lisa always stressed the importance of each student learning and understanding the answers. Even if one student was sure of the answer she wanted them all to read and understand the question and answer. Overall, Lisa had a great experience at the school and the students, staff and teachers greatly enjoyed having her volunteer there. Ms Powell also mentioned that she would love to have more OU students volunteer at McKinley.



Older Person's Commission

John Hund volunteered at the Older Person's Commission (OPC) in Rochester to complete his field experience. At the start of the semester John was concerned about the 60 hour commitment  but he was happy to find a place that offered flexible hours for him to complete his field placement. He typically went to the OPC in the morning to help with recreational activities such as pickle ball, activities in the gym and activities in the pool. He spent time working with the members of the community and other time he spent working in the office or cleaning up around the OPC. Throughout his 60 hours of service he was able to assist his supervisor, Kristy Dorland, with the OPC newsletter. With John's help Kristy was able to develop other programs and plan ahead for the annual pickle ball tournament that will take place at the OPC this year. Kristy was very pleased with all the work John put in during his time at the OPC. John expressed that he a great experience there and is happy to have had the opportunity to volunteer at the OPC. 

Salvation Army, Pontiac

Katie Scrath, completed her service hours at the Salvation Army Community Center in Pontiac.  She interacted directly with the community by preparing, serving and cleaning up dinner on Thursday evenings. She felt very welcomed by other volunteers at the community center and the community as a whole. While she worked in the kitchen and served food she enjoyed learning about the Salvation Army in general. Katie also mentioned that her perception of the work the Salvation Army does was altered. She learned that by providing meals to children in the afterschool program every day as well as meals to the community twice a week the Salvation Army is really making a difference.  “If someone’s meal is taken care of that allows for the money to be freed up for rent or another basic need.” She also learned that the money collected by the Red Kettle Campaign, which occurs in December, supports the Salvation Army’s after school programs. Katie shared that the money donated to the Salvation Army is going to a great cause and is used well by the organization because of this she encourages people to consider contributing to the Red Kettle Campaign. Her experience was very influential and as a result she is hoping to continue volunteering with the organization even after her required 60 hours are complete. Just like others in her class she is pleased that she had this opportunity to serve in the community and learn more about the Salvation Army.