University of Mary Students Transform Learning into Service Through Community-Driven Communication Programs

Hands-on outreach initiatives in Communication Sciences and Disorders deepen student learning while strengthening connections across the Bismarck-Mandan community

BISMARCK, N.D. — At the University of Mary, students in the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program are stepping beyond the classroom and into the heart of the community — transforming academic learning into meaningful service that is changing lives across Bismarck-Mandan.

Through a series of innovative service-learning outreach programs, undergraduate and graduate students in speech-language pathology are gaining real-world experience while building relationships with children, families, adult learners, and seniors. These initiatives are designed not only to strengthen clinical skills but also to foster compassion, cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

“One of our primary goals has been to expand our presence in the community through service-learning experiences,” said Dr. Robyn Zeltinger, Speech-Language Pathology program director and associate professor. “We wanted our students to engage with individuals across the lifespan and from diverse backgrounds, while also responding to the growing interest from community partners who want to collaborate with us.”

Building Bridges Across Generations

Among the program’s most distinctive initiatives is the Intergenerational Communication and Connection Program, which pairs graduate students with residents at Benedictine Living Community in Bismarck. Over the course of several weeks, students and residents meet regularly to share stories, conversations, and activities — creating meaningful, relationship-centered experiences.

CSD students are also making a difference through their Senior Capstone Service-Learning Experience, where they partner with Bismarck Public Schools’ Adult Learning Center. There, students assist adult English language learners from around the world, helping them build vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and gain confidence in everyday communication.

Students report that the experience not only strengthens their professional skills but also broadens their cultural awareness — a critical component of effective speech-language pathology practice.

In addition, students collaborate with local educators during the Gearing Up for Kindergarten program, leading interactive literacy and communication activities for young children while supporting families preparing for the transition to school.

Through the Mandan Little Learners Family Playgroup, undergraduate students engage with children and families in play-based settings that promote early communication development. These sessions also foster interprofessional collaboration with other health sciences disciplines, further enriching the student experience.

What Sets the Program Apart

The University of Mary’s approach to CSD education stands out in a competitive regional landscape by prioritizing service-learning as a central component of clinical preparation. Students benefit from a pro bono speech-language pathology clinic that provides free services to uninsured and underinsured individuals, offering both critical community support and invaluable hands-on training.

With smaller class sizes, strong faculty mentorship, and opportunities such as Early Assurance and priority admissions pathways, the program is designed to support student success while maintaining a strong emphasis on experiential learning.

“Our model goes beyond accumulating clinical hours,” Zeltinger said. “It’s about forming relationships, understanding people’s stories, and preparing students to become compassionate, highly skilled professionals who are ready to serve.”

The University of Mary offers one of the region’s most direct paths to becoming a speech-language pathologist, combining undergraduate and graduate training in as few as four years. As North Dakota’s population grows and demand for communication services rises, CSD graduates are positioned to meet a critical and expanding need close to home.

Call to Action

Community organizations, schools, and service agencies interested in partnering with the University of Mary’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program are encouraged to contact Zeltinger at (701) 355-8041 Rzeltinger@umary.edu to explore collaborative opportunities and expand the reach of these impactful initiatives.