We put learning into action
Our team of faculty and staff offers strategic planning, guidance, and resources to units across campus to support the development, assessment, and continuous improvement of all experiential learning activity types.
The ELA designation
The Experiential Learning Activity designation is the result of over 10 years of development within the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education.
This initiative has already benefited undergrads through the founding of the IU Undergraduate Research office, which filled in much-needed gaps for providing research opportunities for students with little to no previous hands-on research experience.
2013: Office of Engaged Learning founded to track and promote hands-on, experiential learning activities
2013-22: New experiential learning initiatives funded for undergraduate research, community engagement, and more
2022-23: Path developed for co-curricular activities to be formally recognized by the university
April 2023: Experiential learning opportunities identified as a key pillar of the IUB 2030 Strategic Plan
Summer 2023: Quality Initiative Proposal created to enhance student success through equitable access to experiential learning
Fall 2023: Experiential learning working group formed from faculty, staff, and students across campus to create comprehensive recommendations
August 2024: Paige Andersson hired as new senior assistant vice provost for experiential learning to implement recommendations
Spring 2025: Experiential Learning Activity designation set to take effect in fall 2025 for all IUB undergraduate students
Under Pillar 1, “Student Success and Opportunity,” the IUB 2030 Strategic Plan prioritizes high quality Experiential Learning for every student early and often. In recognition of experiential learning’s positive impact on student success outcomes, campuswide efforts are currently underway to implement an experiential learning framework and graduation requirement.
The experiential learning activity designation is made possible by partnership with the academic schools and the following units across IU:
Help us bring transformational experiences to even more students
Experiential learning seeks to expand access to ELAs for all IU Bloomington students. Research shows that involvement in high-impact learning experiences leads to increased rates of student retention and engagement. Your generous gifts support undergraduate research, creative activity, internships, global involvement, community engagement, student leadership, and costs associated with students presenting their research.
Support experiential learning today
Donations will be used to support experiential learning activities with limited funding opportunities. This fund sponsors the Experiential Learning Travel Scholarship, which helps students present their research, develop professional networks, and participate in other experiential learning opportunities away from IU Bloomington.