Experiential Learning
AlamoEXPERIENCE – Definition, Mission, Vision
DEFINITION
Experiential Learning is the development of new skills and/or perspectives
gained through experience and personal reflection.
MISSION
Provide Alamo Colleges students with Experiential Learning opportunities
that enhance student learning and serve to guide career pathways
VISION
Transform every student’s life through Experiential Learning
The Department of Student Life has collaborated with our Academic faculty and Student Success staff to produce a series of experiential learning programming opportunities. These Institute opportunities (extra-curricular, co-curricular, career exploration, and service learning) help extend student learning outside of the classroom. Activities, events, and information are provided to students on both of our campuses and via our online clubs (in AlamoEXPERIENCE). Examples of experiential learning activities include:
- Institute Mixers
- Guest Speakers
- Local Field Trips
- Institute Job Fairs
- Institute Career and Transfer Services Workshops
- Community Service
- Internships
- Career Exploration Field Trips
Signature experiential learning events supported by the Department of Student Life include:
- CultureFest
- Red Dress Luncheon
- HBCU Truth and Reconciliation Oral History Project
- Lunch and Learn Sessions
- MLK March
- Cesar Chavez March
- Juneteenth Parade
- Pride Parade
- Monster Tech Fest
- Other Observances
Best of all, participation is tracked and added to our students' Experience Transcript in AlamoEXPERIENCE to help them quantify and demonstrate their holistic journey to future employers or transfer institutions.
To get involved in one of our many events, click here.
For more information on the Alamo Institutes, click here.
Do you have a fantastic idea for an experiential learning activity? Contact our staff below!
Department of Student Life Director: Dr. Angela McPherson Williams (Dr. Mac); awilliams284@alamo.edu
Associate Director of Student Life: Varryron Young; vyoung25@alamo.edu
Coordinator for Student Life: Paul Lede; plede@alamo.edu
Alamo Institutes Admin for Institutes 1 & 6: Vacant
Alamo Institutes Admin for Institutes 2 & 4: Jennifer Dolgner; jdolgner@alamo.edu
Alamo Institutes Admin for Institutes 3 & 5: Kathryn Reyna; kreyna13@alamo.edu
Alamo Institutes Admin for Southwest Campus: Vacant
How does SPC Student Life define Co-Curricular Programming?
Activities, programs, and learning experiences that supplement and complement the college curriculum support the academic experience and strengthen retention and completion outside the classroom (Astin, 1984).
Other definitions for our St. Philip's College programming philosophy include:
Experiential Learning: Activities and events outside of the classroom that enhance student engagement, foster leadership development, develop soft skills, and strengthen retention and completion (Chickering, 1969; Kohlberg, 1977).
Service-Learning: An engaging learning strategy that combines course content with relevant community service. Through coursework, community service, and critical self-reflection, students gain increased knowledge and a sense of civic responsibility (Jacoby, 2009).
Extracurricular: Activities and events that provide opportunities for reflection as students develop knowledge, skills, and values from direct experiences outside the traditional academic setting. (Kolb, 1984).