Experiential Learning Committee
The committee works with faculty and staff to implement and integrate the philosophy of experiential learning throughout the student experience both inside and outside the classroom. The committee also supports the development and expansion of academic and co-curricular experiential learning initiatives through small grants to faculty and staff.
Working Definition of Experiential Learning Courses & Activities at Suffolk University September, 2023
Experiential learning is an iterative learning process centered around a student’s direct experiences and focused reflection in the context of a class or co-curricular activity.
Courses and Co-curricular activities are defined as experiential learning at Suffolk University where:
- They utilize the experiential learning process described above (direct experiences combined with focused reflection)
- Experiential components and methodologies contribute to at least 50% of the final grade in the course or time spent on the activity
- The experiential learning process is the organizing principle of the course or activity
Courses and Co-Curricular Activities that often meet the definition above and thus frequently are considered experiential learning at Suffolk University include, but are not limited to:
- Internships
- Externships
- Clinical practice/practica
- Project and problem-based learning activities and courses
- University-guided service learning and civic engagement activities and courses
- Maker’s-based courses
- Laboratory courses
- Independent research
- Leadership training courses
- Study abroad courses
- Alternative spring break
- Thesis research and writing
Where a course or activity does not meet all 3 of the criteria above, the inclusion of one or more experiential components (e.g., field trips, exercises, simulation activities), is valuable and highly encouraged, but will not be sufficient to designate the course or activity experiential learning per the definition above.