University at Buffalo (UB)
Experiential Learning:
Experiential Learning (also referred to as Applied learning) refers to an educational approach whereby students learn by engaging in direct application of skills, theories and models. Students apply knowledge and skills gained from traditional classroom learning to hands-on and/or real-world settings, creative projects or independent or directed research, and in turn apply what is gained from the applied experience to academic learning. The applied learning activity can occur outside of the traditional classroom experience and/or be embedded as part of a course. In order to be considered Applied Learning, the experiences must meet criteria that are based on national standards in experiential education. Applied learning experiences strengthen the academic performance of students, increase student retention, and improve employment outcomes post-graduation.
Applied learning experiences for which a student may earn academic credit in an agreed-upon, short-term, supervised workplace activity, which may be related to a student’s major field or area of interest. The work can be full or part time, on or off campus, paid or unpaid. Some institutions offer both credit and non-credit bearing internships. Internships integrate classroom knowledge and theory with practical application and skills developed in professional or community settings. This definition does not include internships that are required components of a registered program leading to NYS licensure or certification (e.g., teacher preparation, social work, dental hygiene). An internship is distinct from community service or service learning.
For faculty interested in cultivating new internship sites and/or learning which employers UB already has connections with, the Career Design Center is excited to help!
Some resources they can help with:
Mentored, self-directed work that enables students to make an original, intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline by exploring an issue of interest to them and communicating the results to others.
For faculty who would like to advertise research opportunities, please contact the Experiential Learning Network (see Explore Projects for current offerings):
A credit-bearing educational strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience and strengthen communities.
An instructional program delivered in either an overseas location or domestic location. Often the program is delivered as a semester-long or intercession sequence of courses, the content of which is enhanced by the location of instruction, by distinctive historic or cultural features available in the location, or by a unique approach to the subject matter that is specific to the locale. Exchanges are often conducted by individual students traveling independently to a location that has been pre-approved by their home institution, and where they determine their specific course of study in collaboration with home and host institution faculty.
If faculty are interested in developing faculty-led programs, they can find information on the New Program Development page on the Office of Study Abroad Programs website.
If faculty are taking a group of students outside of the US for a non-credit experience, they may complete the Non-Credit Travel Approval and Registration form, for assistance with risk management and SUNY mandated international health insurance enrollments.
If any faculty (specifically teaching 198 and 199 seminars) would like to request a Study Abroad Classroom Presentation they may complete the form.
Students may complete a Study Abroad Course Planning Form if they would like coursework they intend to take abroad to be reviewed to fill specific requirements.
In addition, please find a link to programs administered by Other-SUNY campuses which UB students may participate in. Programs (UB and Other SUNY administered) which include an International Internship as part of the curriculum are available to search.
CAS has funding opportunities for students interested in studying abroad, conducting research, doing an internship, etc. Funds are limited and not guaranteed. All CAS students are encouraged to apply – please direct students to:
*For students seeking funding toward experiential learning opportunities including: study abroad, internships, research, fieldwork with faculty
The Experiential Learning Network (ELN) is UB’s central resource for hands-on learning. Associate Dean for Undergraduate Research and Experiential Learning, Mara Huber, and Administrative Director, Christina Heath will present. Please attend this session to learn more about the robust ELN Project Portal, a platform for advertising undergraduate mentored projects and research. In addition to the project/research experience, students complete co-curricular activities through ELN Digital Badges, designed to help them build skills and competencies for their career. Learn how to develop and list your undergraduate opportunities, as well as about the PEARL framework (Prepare, Engage, Add Value, Reflect and Leverage) and ELN funding opportunities for students!
Thursday, February 1 | 10-11 a.m. | O’Brian 102
Positioned within UB Student Engagement, the Community & Civic Engagement Office offers programs to provide UB students an opportunity to learn about social injustices, partner with organizations, and build a strong network of diverse peers who are motivated to create positive social change. Join Rachel DiDomizio, Assistant Director and Hannah Giarrizzo, LEAD Coordinator, as they discuss the many opportunities available to CAS students, including but not limited to: Social Change Saturday volunteer events, Experience UB Fair with community partners, UB Community Relations events, Community Work Study Program, Alternative Breaks trips, UB Votes initiative, and much more. The C&CE Office maintains a database of 100+ local organizations they frequently coordinate volunteering efforts with. If you are looking to incorporate service/volunteer work into a course (perhaps include Service-Learning), build up internship site partnerships, and/or develop a community engagement project, the C&CE Office is a great place to start!
Thursday, February 15 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Capen 107
The College seeks to increase student participation in undergraduate internships, as well as to develop and grow internship opportunities. With research to support the critical importance of internships, NACE (the National Association of Colleges and Employers) describes these experiences as a way for students “to gain valuable applied experience, develop social capital, explore career fields, and make connections in professional fields.” This panel discussion is geared toward sharing some best practices surrounding developing, coordinating, and administering internship programs within CAS. It will not be a tutorial, but truly a discussion, so please come ready to ask questions and share your ideas! To get our conversation started, panelists include: Domenic Licata (Art), Joyce Lacy (Psychology), and Rosyln Colon (Social Sciences Interdisciplinary, HHS); a few more panelists may join.
Tuesday, March 12 | 3-4 p.m. | Capen 240
The Office of Study Abroad Programs can assist CAS faculty interested in developing faculty-led overseas programs. Please join our faculty panelists as they share their experience leading faculty-led study abroad programs including but not limited to: Proposal Process (program/course development, creating an itinerary, setting a budget), Leading the Program (on-site resources, protocol), Method of Instruction and Assessment, and Advice! Panelists include:
Maria Horne, Department of Theatre and Dance:
Michelle Benson-Saxton, Department of Political Science
Debra Street, Department of Sociology:
Wednesday, March 27 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Capen 107