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Experiential Learning

What is The University of Winnipeg Experiential Learning Initiative Network (ELIN)?

Experiential Learning Initiative Network or ELIN is comprised of dedicated, engaged and knowledgeable students, staff and faculty. In Spring 2008, ELIN was formed to coordinate initiatives developed through SUNSET (Sustainable University Now, Sustainable Earth Together), courses with practicum components, teach-ins offered through the Institute for Literacy and Transformative Learning , as well as university-wide PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition) initiatives and consultations with the University Registrar. Experiential learning is an umbrella term used to describe the following: co-ops, internships, clinicals, service learning, practicums, student teaching, fieldwork and prior learning.

ELIN's objectives are to support the development of community-service/experiential learning in all its aspects for the university, faculty, staff, prospective and current students and community partners.

Aspects include:

  • Development and integration of community-university partnerships offered as curricular, co-curricular and/or extra-curricular possibilities
  • Intersection with adult learner needs through PLAR and related lifelong learning initiatives
  • Facilitation of university-community gatherings to share existing expertise
  • Participation in the programs/initiatives developed by the Senior Administration, the Coordinator of Adult Learner Services and PLAR, the Co-Op/Experiential Learning Coordinator, the Co-Op/Experiential Learning Coordinator Steering Committee, the Director of Community Learning, the Global College and the Director of Campus Sustainability that
    • Advocate for students interested in community-service/experiential learning
    • Mentor students, faculty and staff to promote awareness of community-service/experiential learning networks, opportunities and practices
    • Assist faculty in the of development of community-service/experiential learning options and expertise
    • Represent the learning achieved through community-service/experiential learning initiatives
    • Develop flexible and authentic assessment practices
    • Build community-service/experiential learning partnerships with local, national and international programs/projects/processes
    • Support community-service/experiential learning research

ELIN has developed a number of strategies to promote community-service/experiential learning. These include the April 14, 2009 Spotlight on Experiential Learning Workshop, sponsored by ELIN (see attached Executive Summary); participation by ELIN members in the December 4, 2009 Diversity, Retention and You: A Faculty Orientation, as well as the April 8-9, 2010 Engaging with the Community: Opportunities for Learning, Research and Service hosted by the Faculties of Arts and Science and the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT).

ELIN Meetings

ELIN meetings take place on a regular basis and all faculty, students and staff are welcome to participate. Meetings run on Thursdays from 2:30 - 3:30 in the UWSA Board Room (lower level, Bulman Centre)

Dates for the 2012-2013 academic year:
September 27, 2012
October 25, 2012
November 29, 2012
January 10, 2013
January 31, 2013
February 28, 2013
March 28, 2013
April 25, 2013
May 30, 2013
June 27, 2013

ELIN’s contact information: ELIN@uwinnipeg.ca

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