This is a guest blog post, written by our colleagues at the Centre for Experiential Learning.

You’re already familiar with the great work of CIEL in supporting VIU faculty with curriculum and learning technologies, but you may not know that the Centre for Experiential Learning (CEL), also provides services to faculty. Don’t be confused by our similar acronyms: the CEL is here to support faculty in delivering quality, hands-on experiential learning* experiences. 

Experiential learning is a hands-on learning process where individuals gain knowledge and skills through direct experience. Learners engage in real-world activities or simulations, then reflect on those experiences to deepen understanding. Experiential learning can be either curricular or co-curricular. Experiential learning that involves a community partner is known as work-integrated learning (WIL). 

The CEL is offering a number of different opportunities for faculty to learn more this semester. Here are three options:

Attend an experiential learning workshop 

Did you know that 1 in 2 Canadian post-secondary students experience sexual harassment during experiential learning? Courage to Act Foundation is hosting a series of workshops on sexual harassment WIL and our duty of care to protect students. These are free, virtual sessions that you can register to attend at your convenience.  

We are also hosting viewing parties for a series of webinars by the national association for WIL, CEWIL Canada. One topic of particular interest to faculty and staff relates to employer recruitment practices, an ever-present challenge for any WIL program. Register here to join us for coffee, snacks, networking, and learning.  

Book a Career Studio on the Road session 

Short on time to build preparatory curriculum for experiential learning? We’ll come to your classroom with interactive, career-focused workshops tailored to your students’ needs—covering resumes, interviews, networking, job search strategies, and workplace health and safety. Book your session today.  

Know your duty of care to students’ health and safety 

Experiential learning is powerful—but it comes with inherent risks for students and the institution. The new WIL health and safety checklist helps ensure you’re meeting your professional obligations to keep students safe (and avoid unwanted headlines). 

For any additional support on WIL and experiential learning, visit the CEL website: https://services.viu.ca/work-integrated-learning.  

You can also reach out to our Work-Integrated Learning Coordinator, Karolien Soylu: Karolien.soylu@viu.ca.