The University of Lethbridge will bring together its co-op, applied studies, MyExperience transcript and career services groups to create a hub to elevate work-integrated learning opportunities for its students.
The Student Experiential Learning and Career Hub will launch in early September and support all U of L students at its Calgary and Lethbridge campuses. The hub will feature a strong relationship with all University Faculties and be critical in further connecting the U of L’s exceptional classroom experience to a range of personal development opportunities. The creation of a new Experiential Learning Academic Council to support the work of the hub will ensure connection to academic programming as well as community and industry partners.
“Work integrated learning opportunities equip our students with the tools that will make them successful in their careers and difference makers in their communities,” says Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor. “The creation of the Student Experiential Learning and Career Hub ensures our students are able to participate in expanded opportunities through employment, volunteerism or applied study.”
The launch of the hub follows last year’s creation of the MyExperience transcript, which complements the academic transcript and is being designed to reflect a student’s curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular experiential learning opportunities. The MyExperience transcript gives students a well-rounded summary of their University career as they transition to the professional world.
The work to create a hub started with the creation of a task force, which was assigned to review the current structure supporting the delivery of co-op, applied studies and career services. The purpose was two-fold: to build on existing strengths to enhance the delivery of experiential learning for students and to improve the sustainability of the services, given current financial constraints.
“All post-secondaries are being challenged in these times of fiscal restraint and by the COVID-19 pandemic. This transformation will ensure we are able to continue to offer the supportive student environment for which we are known,” says Mahon. “The consolidation of these services is done in a strategic manner to ensure we continue to provide an exceptional student experience.”
The U of L is consistently recognized for its strong commitment to providing students the supports they need for success. Over the past five years, the U of L has consistently ranked as a national leader in delivering student support programming.
Associate Vice-President (Students), Kathleen Massey, says the establishment of a new hub is critical in ensuring students are connected to a variety of opportunities in the many communities the University serves.
“Experiential learning is so beneficial for students, and it is a message we hear repeatedly from our alumni after they graduate from the U of L. It is also an exercise that greatly benefits many stakeholders. The impact our students make on the world as they embrace these activities is great and continues well after students conclude their academic journey with us,” says Massey.
Leading up to the fall launch, a university-wide strategic plan on work integrated learning and experiential learning will be written to guide the direction of the consolidated hub.