3
L
ETTER
FROM
THE
D
IRECTOR
In the Center for Experiential Learning, the 2008-09 year has been one of rapid development and growth.We have experienced significant increases in experiential learning opportunities for students acrossLoyola University Chicago, with 35% of Loyola’s undergraduates participating in at least one experientiallearning program. This past year’s growth is attributed to the following initiatives of the Center forExperiential Learning:
•
Increasing the number of academic internship opportunities for students
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Facilitating the development of more service-learning courses across the university
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Establishing more community-based Federal Work-Study opportunities for students
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Increasing the number of undergraduate research opportunities and outreach to studentsOur work, though, is not only the effort of CEL staff, but also through the work of faculty enhancing theircourses through experiential learning and through the many collaborations across Loyola University.Through collaboration, more students engage in the community and professional organizations, applyingtheir knowledge in real world settings.It is interesting to note that in our experiential learning assessment, students demonstrated positivedevelopment in skills and abilities, as well as values. They reported advances in personal development,professional development, civic development and academic development.Through their experiential learning opportunities, students learn to think
differently
, question more
judiciously
, imagine more
authentically
, and act more
justly
. In essence, experiential learningopportunities are transformative for our students at Loyola University Chicago . . . and they make adifference in the communities in which our students are working as well.Patrick Green, Ed.D.Director
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