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Relevant, Experiential and Applied Learning | REAL

VCU's Relevant, Experiential and Applied Learning initiative serves as a central hub for experiential learning activities, both curricular and co-curricular, that happen as part of the VCU academic experience.

REAL works with key partners across campus — such as Undergraduate Research, Career Services, Education Abroad, and Community Engagement and Impact — to bring to life President Rao's promise that all VCU students will participate in at least one hands-on learning activities during their time at the university.

At VCU, our goal is not only workforce readiness — it's world readiness.

 


 

REAL Experience Types & Levels

Experiential learning has many different definitions, but at its core involves an integration of disciplinary knowledge and intellectual skills with “real-world” experiences.  Experiential education occurs along a continuum that prepares students to take increasingly autonomous and empowered roles in their own educational processes. 

REAL experiences are defined as student engagement in transformative, career building activities that connect classroom knowledge to real-world experience, create novel approaches to complex problems, and  contribute actions that benefit our educational, professional, and civil communities.  All REAL experiences are classified by a Level and Type.  

A wide variety of academic activities qualify as a REAL experience, including:

  • Project-based learning
  • Professional/career development (internships, co-ops, practicum experiences)
  • Research
  • Capstone experiences
  • Service-learning
  • Global learning

 


 

Student Opportunity Center

VCU's Student Opportunity Center is essentially a database for internships, scholarships, events, publishing and volunteering opportunities, funding and more. The tool allows users to search for virtual opportunities or postings in specific localities. If you find an opportunity that interests you, you're able to favorite and apply for it.

 

Student Opportunity Center

REAL Data Dashboard

The REAL Data Dashboard tracks student engagement in experiential learning activities, and provides colleges and schools a detailed picture of who is enrolling in these activities. The REAL Data Dashboard's primary goal is to find and address gaps in access to experiential learning by making the invisible visible, bringing to light (often unintentional) institution-wide trends.

REAL Database