Experiential Learning
Discover new experiences and learn in a hands-on environment
Learning at UVA Wise doesn’t just stay in the classroom. Explore all that you can do to take your education out into the world.
Experiential Learning is an engaged learning process where students learn by doing and reflect on their experiences. UVA Wise will help you apply knowledge, theories and skills learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Then, we’ll help facilitate your reflection on these experiences as you use them for your post-graduate endeavors.
Beginning in Fall 2024, all students at UVA Wise are required to complete one Experiential Learning Activity (ELA) as part of their degree. These activities can be courses that are taken as part of the Liberal Arts Core or one’s major, and include outside activities (like internships, undergraduate research, community engagement, and study abroad experiences).
Internships
Internships give you the opportunity to earn academic credit while gaining practical work experience, an increased understanding of and exposure to a given career field, and opportunities to transform classroom knowledge into "real-world" application.
Community Engagement
Take your learning outside the traditional classroom by helping with needs in our community alongside a partnering organization. Working with a community partner/organization on a project for at least 30 hours will count towards the
ELA requirement.
GivePulse
UVA Wise has contracted with GivePulse to increase the volunteer impact across our community. The system allows community partners – for free – to post volunteer service opportunities that can be seen by undergraduate and graduate students as well as anyone at UVA Wise. Community Partners can use the system to manage their volunteers, conduct fundraisers and more. For students, it provides an easy way to access service opportunities and track the impact that they have – both through hours logged and items donated.
Study Abroad/Away
Complement and enhance your academic experience with a variety of international opportunities. There are many study abroad/away opportunities available at UVA Wise, from short term (spring break/summer) to semester long programs.
Undergraduate Research
Get hands-on experience in your field with mentored research programs and close collaboration with faculty.
If you’re interested in applying for funding to pay for experiential learning, contact the Office of National Awards and Fellowships.
Events
Each semester the Experiential Learning Hub is involved in numerous events. Some events include:
- Resume Workshop
- Study Abroad Information Session on Semester Abroad Programs
- GivePulse Lunch & Learn
- Your Squiggly Career
- Grad School Sprint
- Faculty: Learn how to ACE your course
- Handshake Shake Down
- Career Dream Board
- Senior Salute
- International Week Programming
- Annual Career Fair
- Diplomat in Residence with the Department of State Campus Visit
- Making a Lasting Impression: Interviews
- COPLAC SE Conference at UVA Wise
- Resume Workshop
- Research Day!
- The Big Egg Stuff!!
- Wise Community Egg Hunt
For specific dates and details view the College calendar or contact Heather Evans.
For more information about experiential learning contact:
Heather Evans
Director, Experiential Learning Hub
Neva Bryan
Senior Director of Academic Enhancement