By Cheri Hawkins

The International Experiential Learning Institute (IELI) is the first of its kind, bringing together NIRSA, NACA, the Canadian Association of College & University Student Services (CACUSS), and other globally focused professionals.

Together, attendees will embark on experiential learning and leadership growth in an intimate and hands-on environment together.

Kathleen Hatch, NIRSA President Designee and Executive Director of University Recreation at Washington State University said, “This institute is intended to intimately provide participants a chance to explore experiential theories, strategically reframe our common purpose and build networks with new colleagues from Canada and the US.”


International Experiential Learning Institute

This premier institute provides student affairs professionals in higher a chance to learn how to apply or better implement Experiential Learning techniques on their campuses. The Institute covers the many different types of experiential learning that spans across different factors within higher education, including:

  • Leadership
  • Programming
  • Student housing
  • Recreation
  • Student services

Professionals who serve student populations in any of these categories are encouraged to register for the International Experiential Learning Institute. As an international opportunity, the Institute will expand global perspectives and strengthen leadership skills while also allowing attendees to experience the unique and rich culture of North America’s oldest city, St. John’s, Newfoundland. Kathleen also stressed that is “imperative today to widen our lens and competencies at work – this new institute and partnership to explore our leadership skills in an experiential setting is innovative and could mark a whole new chapter for NIRSA and NACA to align and model what we do on every campus – seamlessly develop global citizens who are ready to make an impact in the community and society.” The 2013 Institute will emphasize experiential education and how this kind of learning relates to campus engagement. The learning outcomes for this event are:

  • Connect with an international community of professionals engaging in experiential student learning
  • Learn how student engagement can be supported thorough experiential learning
  • Gain skills to develop effective experiential learning practices on individual campuses
  • Engage in hands-on experiential learning activities through the culture of Newfoundland

The Institute boasts keynote speaker, George D. Kuh, a director and Chancellor’s Professor of Higher Education. Among his 300-plus publications, Kuh has authored 21 books and monographs, including Student Success in College (2005), Student Learning Outside the Classroom (1994), Involving Colleges and The Invisible Tapestry: Culture in American Colleges and Universities (1988).

Additionally, there will be a Common Read for this Institute: Leadership for a Better World: Understanding the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, by Susan R. Komives, Wendy Wagner. With attendees coming from varied geographies and backgrounds, the shared reading will spark discussions and brainstorming that allow every attendee to bring his or her unique perspective into light.

Don’t miss out on early bird registration, which offers pricing at $395 per person until March 15, 2013. After March 15, registration will be $450 per person.

Registration includes campus housing, breakfast for those staying in campus housing, lunch, light refreshments, and dinner.

Registration for this event will be limited to 40 participants, with a balanced blend of attendees from both Canada and the United States. Perspective attendees will need to request their registration space to ensure that the Institute can accommodate this balance. Applicants will receive notice of their confirmation by March 20, 2013.

Registration requests are now available, though space is limited.