The Experiential Learning Initiative
As part of the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI), Messiah College requires all students (starting with those who matriculate in the fall of 2015) to complete at least one ELI-approved experiential learning activity prior to graduation. The ELI provides students with a structured framework to engage their chosen experience in a way that leads to enhanced self-awareness, career preparation and community engagement opportunities. The ELI aims to teach and prepare students to articulate their “Messiah story” in a way that is meaningful to prospective employers and their communities.
ELI Service-Learning Courses
Service-Learning (SL) refers to a type of curriculum that intentionally integrates learning with community service in a credit-bearing academic course. Students participate in an authentic service activity, which meets needs identified by the community (designed within the framework of a mutually beneficial relationship) and then they critically reflect on that activity. Thus, students gain a deep understanding of course content, a commitment to socially responsible citizenship, and develop skills and understanding needed to contribute to civic well-being.
ELI approved Service-Learning designated courses require 10 hours of content, 20 hours of authentic service and 10 hours of reflection.
- Content refers to the strategies and resources that are employed to prepare students for their service-learning and community engagement. Content should aim to help students apply knowledge as they put theory into practice within a particular service-learning context.
- Service-Learning is a type of community engagement that seeks collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global, etc.) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. Service may be direct, indirect, research-based or advocacy.
- Reflection engages students in activities that help them make meaning of their service by themselves, with their peers and with community partners before, during and after their experiences. Particular attention should be given to helping students transfer their learning from the classroom context to the community context and back again as they put theory into practice.
Any faculty/department desiring to offer a service-learning course designated as fulfilling a student’s Experiential Learning (ELI) requirement must complete the ELI Course Proposal Form. Course proposals are due by September 1 for spring and January 10 for fall. All students who enroll and successfully fulfill the requirements of an ELI-SL designated course will fulfill the ELI requirement.