Experiential and Community Engaged Learning (ExCEL)
Experiential learning applies classroom learning to real problem solving, connects classrooms to communities, and empowers students to connect with and impact the world.
Experiential Learning at Baruch College draws on high impact practices articulated by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). These include, but are not limited to:
- Undergraduate Research
- Service Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Capstone Courses and Projects
- Diversity/Global Learning (for example, Study Abroad)
- Internships
Mission
In collaboration with faculty and academic stakeholders across the College, Baruch’s Office of Experiential and Community Engaged Learning (ExCEL) cultivates opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in two AAC&U practices: either research and/or community-based learning directly connected to curricular activities in all majors.
By participating in a sustained experiential learning activity, students will:
- transform theoretical knowledge into practical knowledge in real situations
- apply metacognitive processes to deepen their learning
- grow their cultural competence
- build empathy
- contextualize their learning
- gather and process information from a variety of sources
- generate new knowledge that is open-ended and non-predictable
- improve pre-professional and professional skills
- diversify and strengthen their resume
When Baruch students participate in experiential learning activities, Baruch College can:
- improve student learning and success outcomes
- foster and deepen relationships with firms and organizations throughout NYC, in government agencies, and with global partners
- fulfill the promise of the Baruch Strategic Plan 2023-2028—specifically, to “[P]rovide learning opportunities that are flexible, dynamic, experiential, and connected to New York City,” and to “[S]ignificantly increase undergraduate and graduate student involvement in research”
ExCEL Practice Areas
The ExCEL office builds and expands opportunities for Baruch students to engage in research while being supported by faculty mentors in each of the College’s academic departments.
The ExCEL office develops and expands opportunities for Baruch students to participate in community-based learning activities while they earn course credit and connect their growing theoretical knowledge to new experiences beyond the classroom.