About the Connector
History and Mission
The CAS Experiential Learning Connector launched on December 1, 2022, with the appointment of its inaugural director. Our mission is to help CAS undergraduates navigate and access experiential learning at BU and beyond. The programs we offer empower students to discover the real-world applications of their Arts & Sciences degree.
Our work
EL Connector programming is designed to help CAS undergraduates navigate the many ways to engage in experiential learning at BU, from one-day service-learning projects to year-long study abroad experiences – and everything in between. Our workshops and outreach efforts grow awareness about the benefits of experiential learning, while individualized guidance offered through our EL Mentorship and EL Ambassador programs empowers students to explore the full range of opportunities available to them at BU. We also provide financial and academic support to students engaging in off-campus internships. Through our programming, students create and articulate linkages from their coursework to their experiences outside of the classroom, activating their Arts & Sciences degree.
For an overview of our work thus far, please see our Annual Report.
What is Experiential Learning>
Experiential learning is the process of learning by doing. It happens any time students apply the information and skills from the classroom to a real-world problem or question. To engage effectively, however, it’s vital to take the time to reflect and to absorb the impact of an experience – so that future decisions can be made in full awareness of the lessons learned in the past. EL Connector programming prompts students to get the most of their experiences through the important work of self-reflection and self-discovery.
Why engage in Experiential Learning?
There’s no question that experiential learning has a meaningful impact academic and professional development by helping students build teamwork skills, improve communication, practice decision-making, grow their networks, and make connections to prospective employers and mentors – all while building their resumes. But in the College of Arts & Sciences, we believe that the most import reason to EL is the opportunity it gives our undergraduates to explore questions that matter, to them personally and to the world more broadly.
How to get connected
We’d love to hear from you! Please visit our Contact page to send us a question or set up a time to meet.
You can also reach us by email: casel@bu.edu