Laurier students gain hands-on experience, benefit community through workplace partnerships

Lily McGuire and her team of fellow students from Wilfrid Laurier University hosted an event with heart as part of their third year-course, Organization and Administration in Physical Activity and Sport.

As part of the course's workplace partnership opportunity, students designed and executed events and activities for local non-profit organizations.

McGuire and her group were assigned to work with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. After establishing their roles and discussing the needs of the organization, the students decided to hold an event to raise awareness and funds.

They soon joined forces with Laurier’s Athletics and Recreation Department to create "Hockey for Heart," held during two Golden Hawks home games on Dec. 1. The event – which included information booths and activities, including chuck-a-puck, raffle draws and “buy a heart, save a heart” – raised more than $4,460.

“We are often assessed on our understanding of course content through formal exams, but I really think that experiential learning goes that extra step to allow for both personal and professional growth,” says McGuire, a Kinesiology and Physical Education student. “Having the in-class knowledge really allowed us to succeed.”

Workplace partnerships, one of the newest experiential learning opportunities at Laurier, provide students the chance to apply skills and knowledge gained through course work during placements, campaigns and projects for local businesses and non-profit groups. During the fall 2018 term, students in Organization and Administration in Physical Activity and Sport, taught by Assistant Professor Alanna Harman, studied administrative components of physical education programs, with key concepts including event management, marketing, organizational behaviour and leadership.

“These partnerships allow students to sample careers and start a portfolio, giving them a real advantage,” says Harman. “This direction can impact the courses they take in senior years and encourage them to hone the skills needed in the careers they are interested in.”

In addition to the Heart and Stroke fundraising event, students in Harman's fall 2018 class raised money for KidSport, and worked with the Sun Life Financial Centre for Physically Active Communities to generate 140 registrations for the centre’s annual pedometer challenge.

“Experiential learning creates context for theory,” says Harman. “Instead of speculating, students are able to reflect on the challenges and strengths they encountered in the field.”

Workplace partnerships are created and facilitated through Laurier’s Community and Workplace Partnerships team. Since the program launched in late 2017, more than 30 courses have embedded a workplace partnership into curriculum.

Purpose-Driven Experiences

Amelia Folkes is registered in the winter 2019 class of Organization and Administration in Physical Activity and Sport. As she prepares for her workplace partnership opportunity, Folkes says she is eager to use her knowledge and skills.

“I am striving for a position in the sports business field and I feel that this practical learning will give me a chance to further develop my professionalism," says Folkes, who is studying Kinesiology and Physical Education. “The faculty and experiences at Laurier are helping me develop into a well-rounded student leader with transferrable skills.”

Reflecting on her fall-term experience, McGuire says she feels fulfilled, more connected to her community and proud of the impact she and her classmates made during the 12-week course.

“Throughout the class we learned about many different leadership styles and the benefits and downfalls of each,” says McGuire. “I utilized these different approaches as situations arose.”

Emily Barrie, Heart and Stroke Foundation community fundraising coordinator for Wellington, Dufferin and Waterloo Region, credited McGuire and her team for their effort and enthusiasm.

“(An event like Hockey for Heart) is an interactive way to increase public education and engage with our community, all while working with enthusiastic individuals,” says Barrie. “It was so nice to see the students dedicated to our purpose while furthering their education.”