Roosevelt University

Experiential Learning

For a social justice-focused institution like Roosevelt, Experiential Learning (EXL) is a common sense cornerstone of undergraduate education. All students pursuing a bachelor’s degree must complete an EXL requirement for graduation. At Roosevelt, EXL means that students are engaging with new experiences, taking a hands-on approach to “learning by doing and reflecting.” EXL connects students to issues and constituencies beyond the classroom by offering opportunities for direct application of course material to concrete topics and communities, supported by focused reflection.

Roosevelt University's Wabash tower and Auditorium building in Chicago
Chicago skyline
students and faculty from a study abroad class in Europe

EXL Categories

  • Excursion-Based: explore and apply content beyond the classroom 
  • Service-Learning: direct engagement with a specific community organization
  • Applied Project: complete a focused research project in service to a community organization, company, or other constituency
  • Student Research: complete an independent or collaborative project utilizing relevant research methods
  • Travel-Based: include a faculty-guided class trip abroad, or an intentionally-designed independent study abroad
  • Capstone: include a culminating project integrating knowledge and experience across an academic program, relating to students’ post-graduation plans
  • Internship: 120-240 supervised hours of discipline-related work in a real-world professional setting

How many EXL courses do I need?

Students who started at Roosevelt in Fall 2018 or later must complete the EXL requirement. Students who start at Roosevelt with 0-59 credit hours at the time they start or transfer need to complete 2 EXL courses. 

Students who start at Roosevelt with 60+ credit hours at the time of transfer need to complete 1 EXL course.

How do I fill the EXL requirement?

Search in the Course Finder for 200 or 300-level courses that have the Experiential Learning attribute, or any of the seven EXL categories. Students can take EXL courses in their major, minor, or as a general education course. Contact your advisor to discuss course offerings.

Go to the Course Finder

Contact

Erin O'Neill
Associate Director of Experiential Learning
312-341-3612
Office: WB 324


ACP/SUST 250 — The Sustainable University students cleaning up litter on the banks of Bubbly Creek at Canal Origins Park in Chicago.

“In fall of 2018, I went into Sustainability 350 not knowing what to expect. All I knew was that I would be required to volunteer at Ginkgo Organic Garden. What started out as ‘extra work’ quickly turned into an experience that changed my life. I learned about all the different areas of sustainability while committing myself to helping our environment. Lifelong friends were made, and I still volunteer on my own time because it makes me feel good to know I can make a difference. Help because you want to, not because you are being asked to. You will feel the change.”

Juan Huerta - Human Resource Management