Experiential learning fair creates new opportunities

The Experiential Learning Fair was held Oct. 10 at Coastal Carolina University in the Edwards Courtyard. Approximately 1,000 students were in attendance to learn about different courses being offered for the upcoming 2013 spring semester at CCU. The purpose of the courses will be to introduce students to real-world experiences.
The fair promoted Coastal’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), created for continued accreditation for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges (SACSOCC). The QEP that CCU chose is titled “Experienced@Coastal.”

Director of undergraduate research Charmaine Tomczyk oversaw the annual fair, which included various CCU departments that provided information about what students would gain from Experiential Learning courses. Courses offered include, “Civic Engagement,” “Entrepreneurial Leadership” and “Blue Ridge to Blue Sea: Cultures of the American South.” Students who choose to enroll in these courses will be able to link the knowledge gained in the classroom to experience outside of it through opportunities such as internships and volunteering.

“The QEP creates an educational initiative based on student need of student learning,” says Michael Ruse, director of Experienced@Coastal. Ruse explains the goal of the QEP at CCU will hopefully create an, “Improvement of educational services.”