VCU news

Experiential Learning Week, which will be held Feb. 5 through Feb. 9, will put a spotlight on the range of ways that Virginia Commonwealth University brings learning into the community for its students, while providing a series of events that will allow students, faculty and staff to explore the variety of experiential learning avenues the university provides.

Shanza Isom, associate director of engaged transformative learning in the Office of the Provost, said the week will highlight the work that VCU students, faculty and staff do each day to positively impact the larger Richmond community and the world. Isom said she partnered with the Graduate School and VCU Career Services to host the week.

“This event will provide several opportunities for faculty, staff and students to network, learn and connect with one another with a focus on opportunities that take teaching and learning outside of the traditional classroom,” Isom said.

This year’s events include:

Monday, Feb. 5 – Transform Open House

Interested undergraduate students can stop by the Transform Living-Learning Program, 830 W. Grace St., inside the West Grace North Residence Hall, from 5 to 6 p.m. to learn how they can be a part of the innovative two-year program designed to give students opportunities to develop leadership, community engagement and global competency.

Tuesday, Feb. 6 – Cards for Seniors

VCU community members are invited to drop in to the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 South Linden St., from 1-4 p.m. to make Valentine’s Day cards for seniors living in RRHA housing. Staff can consider using community service leave for this opportunity.

Wednesday, Feb. 7 - Internship and Experiential Fair

From noon to 3 p.m. in the Commonwealth Ballrooms of the VCU Student Commons, students can connect with organizations offering opportunities that unite academic goals to authentic, real-world work that advances their career development. They can gain exposure to a work environment they want to explore through internships, field work, externships or work study. It also will be an opportunity to engage with departments that offer study abroad experiences or undergraduate research activities. Students can match their creative interests and critical thinking skills with real world applications and network with community-based organizations that provide opportunities to practice and improve communication, management and leadership skills while making a positive difference in the world. Register on Handshake.

Thursday, Feb. 8 – Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning Luncheon for Graduate Students

Graduate students interested in faculty roles are invited to attend this luncheon to learn more about what it means to be a community-engaged instructor. A variety of lunch options for diverse dietary needs will be provided. Lunch will be from noon to 1 p.m. in Richmond Salons I-II, VCU Student Commons. Register here.   

Service-learning Faculty Luncheon

Service-learning faculty are invited to attend this luncheon to learn more about the state of service-learning at VCU. A variety of lunch options for diverse dietary needs will be provided. Lunch will be from noon to 1 p.m. *If interested in this lunch, please email Shanza Isom (isomsa@vcu.edu) directly.

Community as Classroom Panel

The VCU and local community are encouraged to come and hear from experienced service-learning faculty and their community partners as they discuss the impact that collaboration has on student learning and the community. The panel will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. in the SGA Chambers on the first floor of VCU Student Commons. Register here.

Friday, Feb. 9 – Career Gap Analysis

A virtual workshop (noon-1 p.m.) will provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their skills and experiences alongside their future aspirations to find out gaps between where they are now and where they want to be in their careers. Students should come with a job posting of interest for this interactive session. Register here.