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.
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 DevelopmentCommunity 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 ExperienceResearch Assistantship
Teaching Experience
Volunteerism
On-Campus Work Experience
Career Preparation / Professional Development
Definition: Intensive work
Examples:
- Career Education: Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) Preparation Workshops
- School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies: Own Your Future
- School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies: Postdoctoral Competitive Edge Program
Community Engaged Learning
Definition: Students engage in a non-credit project, developed collaboratively with a community partner, that has mutually beneficial outcomes.
Examples:
- Global CEL: Impact Experience
- Local CEL: Orientation Serves
Entrepreneurship
Definition: Engagement in organized activities related to entrepreneurship and innovation.
Examples:
- Ivey Business School: Hack-a-
thon - Propel Entrepreneurship: Incubator
- Propel Entrepreneurship: Innovation Competition
- Propel Entrepreneurship: Pitch Competition
Short-term Internship
Definition: Paid, supervised work experience during a single academic term.
Examples:
- School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies: Graduate Student Internship Program (GSIP)
- Huron University College: Career Internships
Living Learning Communities
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:
- Residence Communities and Floors (Faculty-based Learning Communities, Interest-based Learning Communities, Lifestyle-based Floors)
Resources:
- Residence Guide: Living Learning Communities
Student Clubs and Associations
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:
- University Student's Council (USC): Clubs
- Sport & Recreation: Varsity Athletics
Student Government
Definition: Representative bodies of elected students who advocate for constituents, provide leadership and service, facilitate programs, and may potentially oversee students fees.
Examples:
- Society of Graduate Students (SOGS)
- University Students' Council (USC)
- Faculty Councils and Residents' Councils
- Mustang Athletic Student Council (MASC)
Student Leadership
Definition: University-sanctioned opportunities for students to develop their skills while contributing to the Western community.
Examples:
- Academic Support & Engagement: Western Peer Leaders
- Academic Support & Engagement: Academic Mentorship Programs (e.g. Leadership and Academic Mentoring Program (LAMP))
- Become a Soph: Faculty, Residence, Off Campus, Charity
- Indigenous Services: Indigenous Student Groups
Work Study
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:
- Office of the Registrar: Work Study at Western
- Western International: International Student Work Study Program
Resources:
Opportunities Under Development*
The University is working to explore ways to embed EL in these valuable student experiences.
On-Campus Work Experience
Definition: Paid work experience offered by a Faculty or administrative unit.
Research Assistantship
Definition: Paid work experience offered by the university through which students carry out supervised research-related duties.
Teaching Assistantships
Definition: Paid work experiences offered by the university through which graduate students carry out supervised teaching-related duties.
Volunteerism
Definition: Students participate in university-sanctioned, unpaid activities or projects with campus or community organizations.
