Navigating Experiential Learning at DePaul University: A Comprehensive Guide
As a DePaul University undergraduate student, fulfilling the Experiential Learning requirement is a crucial step toward graduation. Typically undertaken during the junior year, this requirement offers various pathways to integrate real-world experiences with academic learning. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding and navigating the Experiential Learning options available at DePaul, ensuring students make the most of this opportunity.
Understanding Experiential Learning
The Experiential Learning requirement at DePaul University engages students in the first-hand discovery of knowledge through observation and participation in activities, most often in field-based settings outside the classroom. This inductive process of “learning by doing and reflecting” is supported by theory-based information.
Pathways to Fulfilling the Requirement
DePaul offers several avenues for students to satisfy the Experiential Learning requirement. These include:
- Regularly Scheduled Courses
- Approved Internships
- Study Abroad Programs
- Independent Study
All such courses may be offered in the student’s major and may count for both major field and Liberal Studies requirements. When more than four credit hours are earned from such an experience - for example, an eight-hour internship - four hours may be counted toward Liberal Studies requirements and four hours toward major program requirements.
Internship Opportunities and the University Internship Program (UIP)
One popular method is participating in an internship and enrolling in a class through the University Internship Program (UIP), offered by the Career Center.
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Benefits of Internships:
Internships provide invaluable hands-on training and experience in a potential career field. The UIP course complements this by encouraging students to reflect on the transferable skills acquired during the internship. These skills are applicable across various professions and help students identify desirable company cultures and suitable career paths. The UIP course allows you to think about what transferrable skills you are learning as an intern - things you can take with you to other professions. These skills help you discover the type of company you want to work for and the career that’s right for you, all while completing a requirement to graduate. Talk about win-win!
Enrolling in a UIP Course:
To enroll in a UIP course, students must first secure a 10-week internship that aligns with the academic quarter. After securing an internship, you submit a proposal where you list the company, your supervisor’s contact information, and your main responsibilities as an intern. This site also lists the deadlines to submit proposals and for enrollment. The next step involves submitting a proposal detailing the company, supervisor contact information, and intern responsibilities. The university reviews the proposal and confirms the position with the supervisor. Completing the required orientation webinar, which provides a comprehensive overview of the program and UIP course requirements, is highly recommended during the approval process. All UIP orientations are listed on Handshake. Proposal approval and orientation completion make students eligible for UIP course enrollment. Once you have completed the orientation and your proposal has been approved, you will be asked to choose your top three choices for classes.
UIP Courses: Exploring Career Paths
For students who are not ready for an internship or are uncertain about their career path, UIP offers two, 2-credit courses: UIP 240 & 241. These courses fit within the tuition package for full-time students that are already taking four, 4-credit classes (or less). These courses help students explore their career and academic options, decide what field they want to go into, and discover what skills they already possess.
UIP 240 & 241: Career Exploration and Skill Discovery
These courses provide a platform for students to assess their strengths, values, and interests while exploring diverse career options.
Study Abroad Programs: Immersive International Experiences
Study Abroad programs emphasize social, political, historical and cultural understanding through a total immersion into the life and culture of a foreign country.
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Planning and Preparation:
Securing a position with an employer, university, or volunteer organization is not only competitive but also requires careful reflection, research, and planning. Before embarking on any search, you need to explore more about yourself and potential career paths. This course will help give you the knowledge and skills needed to create a personal career toolkit that you can use to apply for future opportunities.
Non-DePaul Study Abroad/Study Away Programs:
Students participating in a non-DePaul Study Abroad/Study Away are required to register international and non-local domestic overnight travel in the Global Engagement Travel Registration database. Again, these are for programs that are not routing through DePaul study abroad. Awards will not be applied to student financial aid accounts until registration is finalized.
Application Details for Study Abroad Programs:
When applying for study abroad programs, students should provide concrete details about their expectations, learning goals, and the program's relevance to their overall academic trajectory. You might want to describe classes that you will take as well as extracurricular opportunities the program offers. It is important that you explain how the specific activities of your program are relevant to your past experiences and future goals. Students should also outline their plans following the program's completion and how they intend to leverage the acquired knowledge and experience.
Community-Based Service Learning
Community-based Service Learning courses provide students with the opportunity to work with a community organization or agency and to reflect upon what they have learned through this service in class discussions.
Internship Courses
Internship courses offer students the opportunity to gain real world experience in hiring, employment, communication, and the culture of businesses or organizations. Students who apply and receive internship opportunities through the Career and Life Design department register for CLD 250.
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Research Projects
These research projects involve extensive field or laboratory work.
Financial Assistance: The Cathy May Student Scholarship
The Cathy May Student Scholarship was established to support DePaul University undergraduate Political Science students. This program awards $2,000 in financial assistance to eligible undergraduate students. This award amount may be exceeded in the case of exceptional applicants. Cathy embodied all that is best with DePaul. A dedicated professor, she was widely known as one of the most enthusiastic, thoughtful, and caring educators on campus. Her approachability and authenticity consistently made her one of our highest rated faculty members. When Cathy turned 50, she gathered donations to create a fund to help students. This fund provided money for internship stipends, study abroad fees, and basic expenses such as rent or books. It was this example that prompted her colleagues to set up two scholarship funds (the Cathy R. May Endowed Fund and the Cathy R. All proceeds from these funds will go to political science students with financial need. Priority is given to students seeking financial support for an unpaid internship or a Study Abroad program. All awards are issued as scholarships to the student’s tuition account and are treated as financial aid. For those applying for internship support or Study Abroad, funding will be contingent upon being accepted into the program or getting an internship.
Priority is given to students seeking financial support for an unpaid internship or a Study Abroad program. All awards are issued as scholarships to the student’s tuition account and are treated as financial aid. For those applying for internship support or Study Abroad, funding will be contingent upon being accepted into the program or getting an internship.
Tips for a Successful Experiential Learning Experience
- Start Early: Begin exploring your options and planning your Experiential Learning experience well in advance.
- Seek Guidance: Consult with academic advisors and career counselors to identify opportunities that align with your interests and goals.
- Reflect and Connect: Actively reflect on your experiences and connect them to your academic learning.
- Utilize Resources: Take advantage of the resources and support services offered by DePaul, such as the Career Center and Global Engagement.
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