How to get involved in virtual experiential learning
This fall, Laurier is prioritizing in-person student experiences that build the connections and engagement our students have been missing, alongside offering high-quality virtual experiences.
When we say “experiential learning” at Laurier, we mean activities that are embedded into your degree – like co-op work terms, and community and workplace partnerships – as well as all of the other co-curricular activities – like clubs, campus employment, student leadership and academic workshops – which enrich your experience as a Golden Hawk.
You can’t talk about experiential learning without mentioning the Laurier Experience Record (LER) and Navigator. The LER is a validated record of your experiential activities where you can identify the skills you’ve developed during your involvement and reflect on your growth. Navigator is where you go to browse all available opportunities, apply for positions and to access your LER.
So, whether this is your first term of university, you’re heading into your last year, or you’re somewhere in between, we want you to make the most of all the hands-on and online experiential learning opportunities Laurier has to offer:
Get Involved Outside of Your Courses
Co-curricular Activities
There are literally hundreds of co-curricular experiences you can engage in, from student clubs and peer programs, to campus and community volunteer opportunities. Even over the summer, Golden Hawks involved in Laurier’s 250+ student clubs and associations were busy making things happen. Attend “Get Involved Fair”, the Student Unions’ Virtual Clubs Fair, during orientation week on Sept. 9 to find out what’s out there.
The Laurier Experience Catalogue is another great resource for you.
Example experiences:
- volunteer notetaking with Accessible Learning
- student ambassador for Laurier International
- Food Bank volunteer with the Students’ Union
Employment Opportunities
Gain income and valuable workplace experience while directly benefitting the Laurier community: win-win! University departments and faculty members are posting part-time, in-person and remote employment opportunities for students. These positions are posted in Navigator on an ongoing basis so check regularly and don’t wait to apply!
Example experiences:
- social media coordinator hired through the Laurier Work-Study Program
- research assistant hired through an academic department
- student service desk analyst hired through an on-campus job posting
Certificates and Workshops
Develop your professional, personal and academic skills throughout your degree. Workshops and programs are available both in person and online and there is a variety of non-credit certificates and student workshop series to choose from. For example, first-year students can take advantage of the new Career Prep Program and graduate students can hone their teaching skills with online certificates and training modules. Full listings are available online or by contacting relevant departments to learn about offerings.
Example experiences:
- Career Development Certificate (multi-campus)
- Residence First-Year Leadership Program (multi-campus)
- Academic Skills Certificate (Waterloo)
Engage with Course-Based Experiential Learning
In-course experiential opportunities could include field placements, lab experiences, creative performances, entrepreneurship projects and more. Course-based Community and Workplace Partnerships (CWP) include job shadows, case studies, placements and community-engaged projects. You don’t have to opt-in to these activities because they are built into select courses across most Laurier programs.
While you might be wondering whether these experiences could translate to a virtual environment, we’re excited to share that our network of new and existing community and workplace partners remains strong. Partners are ready to offer you both in-person and remote opportunities depending on your preference and course requirements. CWP classes that might have included a field trip to a local township, a partnership with a CFL club, or an applied research component, are being adapted to suit a remote learning experience. Employer projects and simulated workplace experiences at a distance will give you a chance to explore different career paths and build professional skills in the context of the remote work.
Classes with embedded experiential learning components are automatically entered into your LER after you successfully complete the course.
If you are interested in participating in a course with a community or workplace experience included, there are many available for you to explore on LORIS for fall 2021 and winter 2022 registration. Read the fall 2021 CWP FAQs on students.wlu.ca.