Co-Curricular Experiential Learning

There are many ways to get involved in experiential learning outside of the classroom. These co-curricular activities below can be experiential learning in nature if  the experiential learning principles are met and  the activity is recognized on Western’s Co-Curricular Record.

What is the WCCR?

Western’s Co-Curricular Record (WCCR) is a tool to formally recognize your co-curricular involvement at Western, track your experiences outside of the classroom, and articulate the transferrable skills you gained through those experiences in graduate school applications and to potential employers.

 

Western's Co-Curricular Record Stamp Logo

Why Co-Curricular Experiential Learning?

Your academic transcript only tells part of your story. In addition to proficiency in your field, employers are looking for transferable skills developed through hands-on or on-the-job experiences. These skills can be developed outside of the classroom while you are at Western. 

Your co-curricular experiences support and supplement your learning in the classroom and vice-versa, turning theory and knowledge into practical skills and experience. This complementary nature makes your involvement in co-curricular opportunities all the more enriching and valuable. Leverage these opportunities to explore a variety of career options that will equip you to effectively transition to the job market.

Explore Your Options

Current Opportunities

Career Preparation / Professional Development
Community Engaged Learning
Entrepreneurship
Short-term Internship
Living Learning Communities
Student Clubs and Associations
Student Government
Student Leadership
Work Study

Opportunities Under Development*

On-Campus Work Experience
Research Assistantship
Teaching Experience
Volunteerism
On-Campus Work Experience
*The University is working to explore ways to embed experiential learning in these valuable student experiences.

Definition: Intensive work undertaken to explore career interests and develop professional skills.

Examples:

Students with Habitat for Humanity and a group photo of a global experience

Definition: Students engage in a non-credit project, developed collaboratively with a community partner, that has mutually beneficial outcomes.

Examples:

Students in the Propel space

Definition: Engagement in organized activities related to entrepreneurship and innovation.

Examples:

Students in the workplace, with supervisors and in production lines

Definition: Paid, supervised work experience during a single academic term. 

Examples:

Definition: Residence students live in intentionally-designed learning communities that are framed by shared values, common interests, or academic discipline, and participate in a series of structured learning activities.

Examples:

Resources:

Definition: Approved or recognized student-led groups based on a shared interest or goal.

Note that not all clubs are experiential learning in nature. Contact the Experiential Learning Unit to learn more about experiential learning within this context.

Examples:

Definition: Representative bodies of elected students who advocate for constituents, provide leadership and service, facilitate programs, and may potentially oversee students fees.

Examples:

Definition: University-sanctioned opportunities for students to develop their skills while contributing to the Western community.

Examples:

Recreation and Library work study students

Definition: Paid part-time work experiences offered by the university for eligible students who demonstrate financial need.

Western’s Work Study Program offers an opportunity for students to work part-time on campus in jobs that accommodate their studies. On-campus employment can play an important role in skill development, goal realization, career exploration and preparation, and increased student engagement (McClellan, Creager, & Savoca, 2018). In 2018-19, a pilot project was introduced, which saw participating Work Study Supervisors and students engage in a number of structured activities (goal-setting, critical reflection, self-assessment, and evaluation) aimed to enhance the overall Work Study experience. Students can access a package of goal-setting, reflection, and assessment materials below.

Examples:

Resources:

Opportunities Under Development*

The University is working to explore ways to embed EL in these valuable student experiences.

Definition: Paid work experience offered by a Faculty or administrative unit.

Definition: Paid work experience offered by the university through which students carry out supervised research-related duties.

Definition: Paid work experiences offered by the university through which graduate students carry out supervised teaching-related duties.

Definition: Students participate in university-sanctioned, unpaid activities or projects with campus or community organizations.