Community Engaged Learning Programs

What is Community Engaged Learning?

Community Engaged Learning (CEL) is an experiential learning method that emphasizes action, reflection and real-world engagement. It allows individuals to participate in hands-on experiences while gaining critical thinking, problem-solving and reflection skills by creating mutually beneficial relationships between individuals, communities and organizations.

What opportunities are offered?

The Student Experience Office provides students with various opportunities to gain real-life experience and knowledge through hands-on opportunities throughout the academic year. Experiential learning, high-impact practices, and a greater appreciation for the value of teaching will ensure we meet the expectations of diverse and changing student populations, create positive learning and career outcomes, and respond to societal needs identified as a strategic priority at �Ӱ�ԭ��. These opportunities are further categorized into Co-Curricular and Curricular.

Co-Curricular CEL Opportunities

These are opportunities that are offered outside of your degree or area of study but are designed to complement your classroom learning. They are available to students regardless of program of study or experience level. Engaging in co-curricular programming is an excellent way to develop new skills that are outside your area of expertise, interaction with new communities, and meet other students outside of your program. While academic credit is not obtained through Co-curricular programming, these experiences can be added to your Co-Curricular Record (CCR), resume, and CV.

: Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is an experiential learning program that concludes with a week-long trip during the winter reading week each academic year. For more information, visit the Alternative Spring Break website. Please note, ASB is on pause for the 2025/2026 academic year.
: Campus to Community is a local program that allows students to develop skills, gain experience, learn about important issues and reflect on their experience by participating in a half day of community engaged learning with a local non-profit organization. Students will be supporting organizations with an assigned project or task and will learn more about how their organization is supporting the Ottawa community. For more information, please visit the Campus to Community website.

Curricular CEL Opportunities

In addition to the Student Experience Office co-curricular programming, students may benefit from our partner curricular programs. This type of programming is available to students through their academic program. These experiences may go towards degree requirements or course credit, but can also be added to your resume and CV.

: International internship provides the opportunity to work internationally for academic credit. For more information, visit The Global Opportunities & International Student Services Office.
: The Exchange Program offers approximately 110 partner institutions in more than 30 countries around the globe. For more information visit The Global Opportunities & International Student Services Office.
: Co-operative Education (Co-op) combines traditional, in-class education with hands-on experience. For more information, visit Co-op Education.
: To explore more opportunities, please visit Experiential Learning at �Ӱ�ԭ��.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

To help students connect the work they do in our Community Engaged Learning programs back to the classroom, the Student Experience Office utilizes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to help direct our programming and contribute towards a larger goal.

(SDGs) are a set of 17 interconnected global objectives established to address a wide range of pressing societal and environmental challenges facing the world.

In 2015, Canada and 192 other UN member states adopted the . Over a 15-year global framework, this agenda ensures success in achieving sustainable development across three dimensions – economic, social, and environmental – as well as the implementation of the 17 SDGs.

In 2026, the SDGs are more important than ever. They are a global blueprint to achieve gender equality, reach net zero emissions, halt and reverse nature loss, build resilient and inclusive societies and economies, and make sure everyone has access to quality education and health care. While the goals are ambitious, they reflect the scope of these global challenges and give real targets to strive toward, as well as a working agenda to achieve them.

Challenge What’s Possible

At �Ӱ�ԭ�� University, we know that to solve big problems we must challenge conventional ways of thinking and doing. Join us in discovering innovative, inclusive and sustainable solutions that are making a positive impact and driving real change.

Be sure to follow our Ravens Student Life team on social media to keep up to date on all of our Community Engaged Learning Programs through and .