Experiential Learning Graduation Requirement

ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ University provides dynamic, real-world learning that prepares students for what the world need next. Experiential learning bridges the classroom to the real-world.

Through experiential learning, students turn knowledge gained in the classroom into practical know-how. What results is a deeper understanding of academic content, the development of important hard and soft skills, greater insight into their field of study and themselves, a broader view of the world, and increased confidence. Experiential learning contributes to career-rediness and helpf to build a strong transcript and résumé.  

At ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ University all students are required to participate in and experiential learning experience to satisfy the Experiential Learning Requirement. The requirement, which must be completed prior to graduation, forms a part of the student’s transcript and is listed as the 0-credit ELR.999 course. 

Requirements

Students will satisfy the Experiential Learning requirement by completing one (or more) of the following: 

  • A course with experiential components;
  • An internship or co-op (paid, unpaid, for-credit, or not-for-credit);
  • An original research project undertaken with a faculty sponsor; or
  • A community engaged experience (40-50 hours) with a non-profit or government organization.

Students will not be expected to begin work on fulfilling this requirement until after their first year.

Important Notes

  • Transfer students who entered RWU with 24 or more credits are exempt from the requirement. 
  • For students entering RWU during the 2020-2021 academic year:  The Engaged Learning graduation requirement was waived due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on service locations.
  • For students entering during other academic years, please refer to the section below that reflects your entrance year. 

Beginning with the class of 2025, students will satisfy the Experiential Learning graduation requirement by completing one (or more) of the following: 

  • A course with experiential components;
  • An internship or co-op (paid, unpaid, for-credit, or not-for-credit);
  • An original research project undertaken with a faculty sponsor; or
  • A community engaged experience (40-50 hours) with a non-profit or government organization.

Beginning with the class of 2025, students will satisfy the Engaged Learning graduation requirement by completing one (or more) of the following: 

  • A community engaged course (i.e., courses, including those offered through study abroad programs that involve collaborations with community-based organizations).
  • A public service internship (typically with non-profit or government agency, including through RWU’s Washington Semester and Summer Program).
  • A community engaged research project (undertaken with a faculty sponsor).
  • An intensive volunteer experience (40-50 hours with a community organization).

Beginning with the class of 2025, students will satisfy the Feinstein Service Learning (FSL) graduation requirement by completing one (or more) of the following: 

  • A community engaged course (i.e., courses, including those offered through study abroad programs that involve collaborations with community-based organizations).
  • A public service internship (typically with non-profit or government agency, including through RWU’s Washington Semester and Summer Program).
  • A community engaged research project (undertaken with a faculty sponsor).
  • An intensive volunteer experience (40-50 hours with a community organization).

Beginning with the class of 2025, students will satisfy the Feinstein Service Learning (FSL) graduation requirement by completing one (or more) of the following: 

  • A community engaged course (i.e., courses, including those offered through study abroad programs that involve collaborations with community-based organizations).
  • A public service internship (typically with non-profit or government agency, including through RWU’s Washington Semester and Summer Program).
  • A community engaged research project (undertaken with a faculty sponsor).
  • An intensive volunteer experience (40-50 hours with a community organization)

Under the auspices of the philanthropy of Alan Shawn Feinstein, ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ University in 1998 created a campus program, now known as the Feinstein Center, to support faculty and students as they engage in curricular and co-curricular community based learning. All undergraduate day students are required to record at least one of these service experiences on their transcript (as FSL.999) and is part of the degree audit. This is done through the Feinstein Center, who communicates completion of the requirement to the University Registrar.

Under the auspices of the philanthropy of Alan Shawn Feinstein, ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ University in 1998 created a campus program, now known as the Feinstein Center, to support faculty and students as they engage in curricular and co-curricular community based learning. All undergraduate day students are required to record at least one of these service experiences on their transcript (as FSL.999) and is part of the degree audit. This is done through the Feinstein Center, who communicates completion of the requirement to the University Registrar.

A majority of incoming students complete this requirement through the annual Community Connections program, a special day of service involving the entire incoming class as well as 200 faculty, staff, and student group leaders. ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ University community members serve with approximately 50 non-profit agencies and municipalities in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Projects address myriad community issues including sustainability, hunger, youth development, homelessness, housing, community development, and historic preservation.