February 23, 2024
Celebrating high-impact practices and experiential learning
The Center for Experiential Learning is hosting its annual week-long celebration of high-impact practices (HIPs) starting Feb. 26. This week, themed “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” features a series of events to increase awareness and involvement in high-impact practices among St. Scholastica students.
Mary Anderson, director of Career Services, describes the importance of experiential learning: “In short, experiential learning benefits students in college, prepares them with additional skills to enter the workforce and increases their overall sense of work-related satisfaction.”
The week’s events
The week kicks off on Monday, Feb. 26, with an Education Abroad Fair where students can learn about study, internship and service learning opportunities abroad offered through Education Abroad, as well as domestic opportunities for student exchange in North America. Throughout the week, Storm’s Den will also serve an international menu, featuring foods from favorite St. Scholastica study abroad destinations.
Career exploration and internships will be highlighted throughout the week as well. On Tuesday, Feb. 27, Career Services will offer a new program, Career Connections, to provide students the opportunity to network with local employers and gain support on resume and cover letter review, interviewing skills and career exploration. Thursday, Feb. 29, offers additional opportunities for students to directly connect with employers with a local career fair in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
Additionally, the Center celebrates service learning on Wednesday, Feb. 28, during the 20+ year St. Scholastica tradition of Community Day. This year’s theme, Bold and Benedictine Change Makers, offers faculty, staff and students the opportunity to engage in educational sessions, in addition to the service projects at local community partners. St. Scholastica community members can also advocate for the Minnesota State Grant by attending Day at the Capitol in St. Paul, MN.
On Friday, March 1, students can tour a local business. Last year, students toured the company headquarters of maurices, and this year, students are invited to Cirrus Aircraft.
St. Scholastica is committed to providing experiential learning to its students to ensure deep engagement within academic programs. The Center showcased the variety of high-impact practices through a series of YouTube videos featuring staff, faculty, students and alumni. “While the types of experiences students complete may vary, what remains consistent is the positive impact of the skills, knowledge and confidence gained through these activities,” said Anderson.
The Center for Experiential Learning serves The College of St. Scholastica by providing resources and tools to contribute to the education of the whole person through the integration of high-impact practices (HIPs) into all majors leading to increased retention, engagement and career-preparation.
