Experiential Education

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Ralf Townsend
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1 University of New Haven Experiential Education experience 1

suggests, the University of New Haven has earned a national reputation as a leader in experiential education.

2 experience Life is a Trip... Take it! UNH president REceives top honor Immersion through internships and work-integrated learning Learning through faculty-mentored undergraduate research A Message from the President As our tagline suggests, the University of New Haven has earned a national reputation as a leader in experiential education. We believe that students learn best by gaining hands-on experience related to their classroom studies. Often, I am asked if this connection between classroom and experiential learning extends to the humanities, especially those disciplines such as English and the arts for which this nexus is not naturally evident. To this, I emphatically reply yes. My own educational background is in comparative literature and, more broadly, the liberal arts. I have taught Shakespeare, poetry and world literature, and have served as both a dean of an arts and humanities and an arts and sciences college. I am well-acquainted with the ivory tower, the life of the mind and academic research pursued merely for its own sake. That, however, has become an antiquated model of higher education and not what today s students seek or employers value. As this brochure illustrates, studying anything from English to Engineering can be practical, hands-on, engaging and careerfocused, while maintaining strict academic rigor. I Fulfillment through academic service-learning E Experience the world through study abroad This applies to every other program at the University of New Haven as well. We take pride in offering students experiential education opportunities in all majors, in all colleges. Our results speak for themselves in the form of well-educated graduates who have used their knowledge and skills to fashion successful careers across a wide range of professional pursuits. This new model resonates well with students and their families and is a primary reason why our enrollments have increased so dramatically in recent years while many private universities have struggled to fill their classrooms. We are rightfully proud of the reputation we have earned in this regard, and we will strive to remain at the forefront of the experiential education movement. It is, after all, what we do best. With warm wishes, Steven H. Kaplan President University of New Haven President Steven H. Kaplan was awarded the William M. Burke Presidential Award for Experiential Education by the National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE) at its recent conference in Dallas, Texas. The award, the top honor given by the society, memorializes the late William Burke, founding president of the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. Burke established the center in 1975 with the dream of providing college students from the U.S. and around the globe access to academic internships in Washington D.C. Dr. Kaplan was nominated for this award because of his vision and goal to enhance the academic experience of UNH students by creating and updating a strategic plan for experiential learning, James Walters, president of the NSEE, said. Dr. Kaplan enhanced the academic experience of students through faculty-mentored undergraduate research, immersion through work-integrated learning, academic service learning, study abroad, and career services. UNH also created an honor society for experiential learning, which has become a model for other universities. In nominating Kaplan for the prestigious award, UNH Associate Vice President for Retention L. Christie Boronico and UNH Associate Provost for International and Experiential Learning Jeremy Geller credited the president with supporting a university-wide infrastructure for developing, monitoring and evaluating experiential learning opportunities. Dr. Kaplan established the Center for Experiential Education at UNH soon after he arrived on campus and has helped it expand into one of the most influential centers in the Northeast, said Judith Greiman, president of the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, who endorsed Kaplan s nomination. In establishing the partnership on the campus of the University of New Haven, which trains faculty and staff from interested universities, Dr. Kaplan enabled his institution to provide a service to universities throughout the Northeast region. empowering a great number of learners to embrace the skills and knowledge needed for success programs on their own campuses, she said. The award was presented at the 40th annual conference of the NSEE on Oct. 21, NSEE was founded in 1971 to provide a resource center for the development and improvement of experiential education programs nationwide. 2 3

professional development. Students participating in experiential learning at Jeffrey s Fusion Restaurant on campus and in the UNH Dental Center.

training and education, societal interaction, and engagement guided by academic standards and a familiarity with real-world challenges and how to deal with them.

3 What is experiential education? Through experiential education, UNH engages its students and faculty in discovery-based learning across the curriculum to expand intellectual curiosity, enhance personal growth, and advance professional development. Students participating in experiential learning at Jeffrey s Fusion Restaurant on campus and in the UNH Dental Center. Our Mission Experiential Education supports the mission of the University of New Haven by encouraging experiences that contribute to career awareness, skills development, practical, curriculum-based training and education, societal interaction, and engagement guided by academic standards and a familiarity with real-world challenges and how to deal with them. These experiences include opportunities for learning through faculty-mentored undergraduate research, immersion through work-integrated learning, fulfillment through academic service-learning, and allowing our students to experience the world through study abroad. the UNH Model The University of New Haven has a tradition of valuing a balanced theory-andpractice approach to education. Continuing this tradition, UNH has embarked on a new paradigm in experiential education. The goal is to promote greater levels of student learning across majors by supplementing academic requirements with practical, real-life engagement, firsthand observation, and learning through discovery. Program Initiatives.. Act as a repository of opportunities in relation to the four areas of engagement for L.I.F.E. and Career Services Process student applications for various engagements Identify and solicit sponsors and partners for opportunities in relation to the four areas of engagement Collect and maintain data and information on various programs and participants Engage in regular assessment of programs and ensure commitment to continuous improvement practices Assemble and maintain advisory boards for each program Promote the talent and services of faculty and staff members Promote professional development activities among its constituencies Promote networking and the building of relationships Respond to inquiries and suggestions for improvement society for experiential education The University of New Haven launched the Society for Experiential Education (SEE), an honor society to recognize students who have completed two or more experiential opportunities during their academic program while maintaining outstanding academic achievement that places them within the top twenty percent of their graduating class. The Society also inducts UNH faculty and staff who have successfully completed the NSEE Experiential Education Academy certification. National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE) UNH partners with National Society for Experiential Education The mission of the NSEE is to foster the effective use of experience as an integral part of education in order to empower learners and promote the common good. The goals of the organization are to: Advocate for the use of experiential learning throughout the educational system and the larger community Disseminate information on principles of good practice and innovations in the field Enhance the professional growth and leadership development of our members Encourage the development and dissemination of research and theory related to experiential learning Please visit for more information. The purpose of The Society for Experiential Education (SEE) Create enthusiasm for research Encourage experience in the workplace Stimulate community engagement Promote cultural and global understanding Encourage and support experiential opportunities which prepare students to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives in a global society Congratulatory Message from the National Society for Experiential Education On behalf of the Board of Directors of the National Society for Experiential Education, I am delighted to express our enthusiastic congratulations on the ongoing success of your strategic plan initiatives with regard to experiential education. NSEE is proud of our strategic partnership with the University of New Haven as, together, we work to accomplish your strategic goal of becoming a leader in experiential education. Sincerely, Albert C. Cabral, President NSEE Board of Directors 4 5

experience Learning through faculty-mentored undergraduate research I experience Immersion through internships & cooperative education One element of the UNH focus on experiential education is

This can include scientific, scholarly, or artistic activities.

Principles into Practice Students work with a selected faculty mentor through courses in independent study, laboratory research, and/or thesis.

Undergraduate research provides an excellent structure for the interaction of a mentor with a student and an important opportunity to put into practice the principles of experiential education. Dr.

opportunity to boldly go where no one has gone before. I have found that researching with students provides an opportunity to increase awareness of the importance of their classroom endeavors.

4 experience Learning through faculty-mentored undergraduate research I experience Immersion through internships & cooperative education One element of the UNH focus on experiential education is Faculty- Mentored Undergraduate Research. Research is any serious, significant inquiry or investigation that makes an original, intellectual, or creative contribution to a branch of learning. This can include scientific, scholarly, or artistic activities. Research performed under this program is expected to be a major undertaking of time and effort by both the student and the faculty mentor. Principles into Practice Students work with a selected faculty mentor through courses in independent study, laboratory research, and/or thesis. The research program concludes with an undergraduate thesis or major presentation as approved by the student s research mentor. Undergraduate research provides an excellent structure for the interaction of a mentor with a student and an important opportunity to put into practice the principles of experiential education. Dr. Amir Esmailpour assists students with a research project to design and implement a telecommunication network architecture of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) in a lab environment Research is an opportunity to boldly go where no one has gone before. I have found that researching with students provides an opportunity to increase awareness of the importance of their classroom endeavors. Once students have participated in research in their area of interest, they appreciate what they are learning in the classroom all the more. Dr. Pauline Schwartz, Chemistry Students serving customers at the Hazell Nut Café, our student-run coffee shop sponsored by the College of Business. I knew within the first week of being in such an exciting atmosphere that this is what I wanted my future career to embody. This internship gave me confidence in myself in a new way. It helped me prove that I will be prepared to handle any task thrown my way. It proved that my professional skills are noticed and that I am now looked upon as a responsible person. Amber Tolifero, Student The internship experience supports students engaging in supervised work related to their major or career goal. The work-integrated experience may be part time or full time, paid or unpaid, and may or may not be for academic credit. The internship will most likely take place off campus, although some opportunities exist on campus for degree-related work experience. The Experience What distinguishes an internship from a short-term job or volunteer work? Internships tend to include a self-directed learning strategy; reflection, both oral and written; a regular performance evaluation; and an emphasis on professional development. By taking advantage of one or more internship opportunities, students can sharpen their skills, build a network of meaningful employer contacts, assess their strengths, and test in a real-world setting what they re learning in the classroom. UNH students have performed an array of internships near home and around the globe, in a multitude of fields and functions. Professor Carmela Cuomo assists a student working on a faculty-mentored undergraduate research project. Professor Chris Martinez assists students working on a Modular Sensor Platform for a Military Quadrotor UAV research project. Amber Tolifero is a communication major who interned at WTNH, News 8 in New Haven. Over the past 5 years, UNH students have interned at such companies and organizations as: ABC Aetna BET Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) CNN Columbia Records Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FOX General Electric (GE) General Dynamics Homeland Security IBM Royal Bank of Scotland Major League Baseball (MLB) Mystic Marine Life Aquarium NBC Pfizer Sea World Sony BMG United Technologies US Marshal s Office Walt Disney World 6 7

experience Fulfillment through academic service-learning E experience Experience the world through study abroad/study away Academic service-learning fosters social responsibility and promotes

Students, faculty, and staff work in partnership with community organizations within the Greater New Haven region and beyond for the purpose of exchanging knowledge and resources to strengthen our

As part of their coursework, students participate in structured reflection activities that enhance how their experience connects with their academic course.

examination, learning about self and others, and Community Service Experiences Examples of programs that transform community service experiences into meaningful learning opportunities include the

Students in a victimology class work with MADD to improve our judicial system by advocating for swift and appropriate justice for DWI cases.

The UNH-Common Ground High School partnership includes college students mentoring high school students through two courses: Instrumental Methods of Analysis Lab and Juvenile Justice.

5 experience Fulfillment through academic service-learning E experience Experience the world through study abroad/study away Academic service-learning fosters social responsibility and promotes community engagement. Students, faculty, and staff work in partnership with community organizations within the Greater New Haven region and beyond for the purpose of exchanging knowledge and resources to strengthen our global society. Students enroll in academic service-learning courses as a means of gaining a deeper understanding of course content while making a positive contribution to their community. As part of their coursework, students participate in structured reflection activities that enhance how their experience connects with their academic course. The Academic Service-Learning Office provides the framework for students to become socially responsible through the following civic learning objectives: leadership, social responsibility, cognitive examination, learning about self and others, and community engagement. Community Service Experiences Examples of programs that transform community service experiences into meaningful learning opportunities include the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Court Monitoring Program, the UNH-Common Ground High School partnership, and our dental hygiene outreach programs. Students in a victimology class work with MADD to improve our judicial system by advocating for swift and appropriate justice for DWI cases. Students attend DWI misdemeanor court proceedings and collect information to hold criminal courts accountable for treatment of drunk driving perpetrators. The UNH-Common Ground High School partnership includes college students mentoring high school students through two courses: Instrumental Methods of Analysis Lab and Juvenile Justice. In the Instrumental Methods course, UNH students share their chemistry knowledge and resources with Common Ground students as a group, whereas Juvenile Justice students provide one-on-one assistance with class projects and activities. Professor Teal Mercer traveled with five dental hygiene students to the Los Fuentes Dental Clinic and the Clinica Esperanza in Honduras, providing care to almost 200 patients. Students participating in an alternative spring break experience with Habitat For Humanity. Undergraduate students of the May 2008 summer class in Chinese Economics and Business with Professor Ben Judd and Practioner-in-Residence Chien Wen Yu, visiting Su Dongpo Memorial in Hangzhou, China. The nine students attended morning lectures, visited ten corporations, met with marketing executives from each company, and were required to write a final paper on the trip for course credit. Recently, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit China for educational purposes. Those two weeks in China deeply impacted my life in more ways than one. Not only did I learn about Chinese culture, history, their education system, the economy, and business infrastructure, but I made many friends with whom I still keep in contact. Ashish Upadhyaya, Student UNH students waiting at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City to depart for the Freshman Semester Abroad Program in Florence, Italy with Professor Bill Adams. A World of Options The Study Abroad/Study Away program provides academic opportunities for students to develop an intercultural understanding necessary for meaningful interaction with people from various cultures, leading to productive and successful contributions to the global community. UNH students satisfy the STUDY ABROAD/Study AWAY element through faculty-identified international tracks, international internships, international service learning, international short-term or summer programs, facultyled international, local, and national programs, or the Freshman Semester Abroad Program. New Satellite Campus in Italy Beginning in the fall of 2012, UNH students now have the opportunity to study at our new satellite campus in Tuscany, Italy at nearly the same cost of attendance as our main campus in West Haven, Connecticut. The only additional cost to students will be airfare. This is the University s first solely operated international campus and will provide an exceptional experience for students to immerse themselves in the culture and language of a European country. Professor David Perry and his two-week intensive abroad class that studied WWII history in France. Our dental hygiene students learn through service as close to home as the New Haven Head Start Program and as far away as South Dakota, Honduras, and Romania. Regardless of the location, UNH dental hygiene students educate and serve uninsured and underserved populations in a variety of settings. 8 9

FRESHMAN YEAR Talk with faculty about career options in your major Create your resume Meet with success coaches in the First Year Student Success Center Start your Student Success Plan file SOPHOMORE

service and student leadership opportunities on resume writing Visit the Career Development Center with your resume JUNIOR YEAR Pursue internship and co-op opportunities Update your resume

6 A guide to student career planning The Career Development Center offers the following workshops: alumni profile: CHRIS BROWN 00 B.S. Management of sports industries Career planning is a PROCESS that begins when you enter college and continues throughout your life. Here is a guide to help you get started! FRESHMAN YEAR Talk with faculty about career options in your major Create your resume Meet with success coaches in the First Year Student Success Center Start your Student Success Plan file SOPHOMORE YEAR Continue to explore relationships between self-assessment and career information Update your resume Gain relevant experience through summer employment and internships Take part in community service and student leadership opportunities on resume writing Visit the Career Development Center with your resume JUNIOR YEAR Pursue internship and co-op opportunities Update your resume Participate in job shadowing or informational interview opportunities Research admission requirements for graduate school Review interview skills and networking opportunities SENIOR YEAR Start your job search Update your resume Participate in mock interviews Network with alumni and others Collect letters of reference for your credential file Visit the Career Development Center to submit your exit survey Students work to build their resumes starting in their Freshman year. It is never too early to reach out to the Career Development Center. Resume Writing This session reviews the basic construction of a resume. Participants will draft a resume and send an electronic copy to the Career Development Center. Interview Skills This session reviews successful techniques of interviewing. Participants are introduced to the Perfect Interview System and will make an appointment for a video session. Cover Letters & Correspondence This session informs students of the importance and correct format of cover letters and thank-you letters. Technology This session informs students how today s technology influences the hiring process. Networking/Mentoring Etiquette This session reviews the skills of effective networking and provides information about our mentoring program. Additional services: Resume Assistance Receive individual assistance with resume development by contacting the Career Development Center at jobs@newhaven.edu or stop in at the Bartels Student Activity Center. Job Postings Employers can post openings with the Career Development Center by sending announcements to postings@newhaven.edu. Students can access full-time and part-time openings on Blackboard. The Interview Skills session can help you prepare for upcoming job interviews. To schedule a mock interview, call , jobs@newhaven.edu, or visit us in the Bartels Student Activity Center. DIRECTOR, GUEST EXPERIENCE NEW YORK METS Flushing, NY When I attended UNH in the late 90s, internships were not a part of the standard curriculum as they are today. My departmental advisors strongly encouraged me to spend my summer/winter breaks taking part in internships in order to build my resume and, eventually, stand out from other recent college graduates. The small class sizes at UNH allowed me to become familiar with my professors, which in turn made them much more approachable. The advice I received from these advisors and professors gave me the confidence to achieve my career goals

7 The Best of the Best A leader in Experiential Education, the University of New Haven has been recognized as a top-tier regional University by U.S. News & World Report. Office of Undergraduate Admissions 300 Boston Post Road West Haven, CT

College of Liberal Arts (CLA)

College of Liberal Arts (CLA) 1 College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Courses CLA 1001. The CLA First Year Experience. 1 Credit Hour. The CLA First Year Experience introduces students to the rich diversity of