When students arrive on campus for New Student Orientation each fall, they experience a variety of educational and social activities designed to help them successfully transition to Ringling College of Art and Design, and to become actively involved in the Sarasota community.

As Ringling College Coordinator of Student Volunteerism and Service-Learning, my job is to develop and broaden these types of learning opportunities to help students enhance their leadership skills, build friendships, and facilitate teamwork. As part of the Orientation experience, students participate in a self-selected community service project.

Cordially,

Rachel Levey-Baker

Coordinator of Student Volunteerism and Service-Learning

Here is a description of each program:

Mural Painting

Join in a mural project to help transform communities.  Pick up a brush and paint a breath of fresh air into the lives and facilities in the neighboring communities.  Learn new painting skills while getting to know about your peers and local non-profit organizations.

Salvation Army

Help at mealtime at the Salvation Army Center of Hope while learning about all of the important services this site offers our community.  Serve food or help with preparations in the kitchen at this local shelter.

Environmental Clean-Up of the Campus Whitaker Bayou

Work with environmental specialists cleaning intrusive objects from the Whitaker Bayou Canal adjacent to Ringling College of Art and Design.  This project is near and dear to several Ringling College staff and faculty members.  You might get wet!

Habitat for Humanity

Work with future homeowners and other volunteers on building a house, work at the Habitat for Humanity Resale Store, or clean and renovate someone's home.  Your task may range from digging, to framing, to roofing.  By working together, homeowners, volunteers, and donors become partners in the work of building homes, while building new relationships as well.  No special skills required.  Training and tools will be provided.

InStride Equine Therapy

The goal of InStride is to improve the physical and/or neurological status of individuals with physical and mental disabilities through Hippotherapy. Riders with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, autism, traumatic brain injury and learning disabilities have all benefited from participation in the InStride therapeutic riding program. They currently serve over 100 children and adults with disabilities from Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties. Lend a hand to assist this important community resource!

G.WIZ Hands-On Science Museum

G.WIZ. the Gulfcoast Wonder and Imagination Zone, strives to make science relevant, technology understandable, and learning an interactive adventure for people of all ages. Assist with service projects at this fun, educational site by doing abeach clean up, planting in the butterfly garden, or cleaning the classrooms!