University announces funding opportunity for experiential learning
The Office of Undergraduate Experiential Learning is now accepting proposals for Undergraduate Experiential Learning Stewardship Grants.
This new funding opportunity is supported by the recently adopted Career and Experiential Learning Fee and is open to faculty, staff, and student organizations serving undergraduates on Athens and regional campuses. This funding will broaden access to experiential learning opportunities.
Proposals will require a narrative describing how the proposed opportunity meets the University definition of experiential learning, a plan for facilitated reflection, a budget, and an inclusivity statement to describe how the proposal will increase access to experiential learning. Awards of up to $15,000 can be used over a period of two years. The full call for proposals is available at https://www.ohio.edu/uc/experiential-learning.
Student Senate President Lydia Ramlo is excited about the University’s focus on experiential learning.
“In my time at Ohio University, I have developed a better grasp on the world through my study abroad and international internship experiences, and my involvement in student organizations has improved my leadership skills, mentorship skills, and self-awareness,” Ramlo said. “I cannot wait to see the innovative ideas that come out of this program!”
“We are excited to provide students with broader access to experiential learning,” said Senior Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Dr. Elizabeth Sayrs. “Experiential learning allows students to connect and apply concepts they are learning in settings beyond the classroom. It supports student engagement, deep learning, and the development of lifelong skills.”
As Director of Undergraduate Experiential Learning, Dr. Lindsey Rudibaugh has worked to establish the Undergraduate Experiential Learning Stewardship Grants as well as funding opportunities available directly to students. The student application process was piloted in November and will re-open in mid-spring. Rudibaugh's next efforts will be toward celebrating and enhancing the current experiential landscape at OHIO. She is particularly interested in building capacity around reflection, a critical element of the experiential learning process. “Reflection is looking inward and backward to improve the future,” Rudibaugh said. “Experience gives students better stories to tell, but it’s through reflection that we understand the full value of our own story. It’s where we’re pushed to articulate the ways we’ve learned, changed, caused change, and can do better next time.”
Rudibaugh brings experience from a variety of roles in higher education including teaching, global education leadership, and student affairs administration. She earned her Ph.D. in sustainability education from Prescott College.
For questions and idea sharing, contact the Undergraduate Experiential Learning staff at experiential.learning@ohio.edu or visit Baker University Center 417.