Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Two students meeting with lawyers at an internship.

Experience-Driven Learning Venture Grants

WMU provides a holistic, experience-driven education. Here, transformational learning emerges from traditional classroom instruction paired with application in live situations. It is in our DNA. Nine of 10 graduate and undergraduate students have had at least one learning experience enhance their education.  

The 2022-32 Strategic Plan calls for Western "to engage every student in experiential education" as part of the University's goal for academic excellence. By scaling experiential learning to serve all students, we will advance and integrate the University's education, research and career-preparation missions while also increasing retention and graduation rates. 

In support of this vision, the University’s ambition is to inspire, accelerate and scale high-quality experience-driven learning opportunities that support students in their pursuit of meaningful careers and a life well lived. 

Provost and Vice President
for Academic Affairs
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5204 USA
(269) 387-2380

Experience-Driven Learning defined

Experience-Driven Learning (EDL) is Western’s approach to education that integrates hands-on, practical experiences with traditional instructional methods. Students engaged in EDL apply classroom knowledge to career-relevant situations in real-world contexts.  

Encompassing a wide range of strategies, EDL at WMU combines traditional instruction with problem-based learning, project-based learning, undergraduate research and creative scholarship, community-based learning, service learning, practicums, clinicals, externship and internship opportunities. These experiences are designed to:

Enhance learning

  • Support learners in deepening content knowledge, developing critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills.  
  • Develop students' capacity for impactful internships, externships, clinicals, practicums, labs and simulations throughout their academic programs.  
  • Involve students in the authentic application of learning with “real-world” timelines, budgets, constituents and constraints.  
  • Provide team-oriented experiences focused on developing written and oral communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.  

Shape professional purpose

  • Facilitate work with industry and sector partners, enabling students to build connections, networks and references.  
  • Help students to develop a compelling career narrative.  
  • Engage students in research, creative activities, product creation or project development that has lasting impact and value beyond the classroom.  
  • Immerse students in resume-worthy and interview-relevant experiences that align with course, discipline and employer expectations.  

Empower students

  • Center experiences on students' own ideas, incorporating their voice and choice while supporting the development of inquiry and agency.  
  • Emphasize intentional reflection practices, supporting learners in examining their experiences, identifying lessons learned and considering areas where more learning may be needed to meet their future goals.   
  • This comprehensive approach not only bridges the gap between theory and practice but also prepares students for successful transitions into their chosen careers while supporting the University's commitment to academic excellence, student success and community engagement.