CIEL believes that for college students, what you learn in class is just the beginning. Make the most of your education by connecting your academic work to beyond the classroom opportunities. How is your learning from class contradicted or reinforced by experiences outside of class? How does your learning within and beyond the classroom impact your future decisions? These cognitive connections across experiences are what CIEL is all about: Integrative and Experiential Learning.
If additional funding would make a beyond-the-classroom engagement more doable for you, then consider applying for the Carolina Engage Grant. Students can apply for up to $500 and if your need exceeds $500, you may note that in your application.
University faculty, staff, and advisers work together to recommend examples of experiences that relate to what you are studying in the classroom and help you make the most of your education. These recommendations are ideas to get you started, not requirements. Some experiences and courses may also count towards Graduation with Leadership Distinction.
Experiences are more meaningful when you can articulate and demonstrate what you’ve learned, how you’ve changed, and how those experiences have influenced you and your plans. Use these resources to try out different methods of reflection, including video blogging, songwriting, and other creative strategies.