Experiential & Community-Engaged Learning, or EXCEL, connects classroom content to real-world issues and applies learning to future career skills and preparation. The EXCEL Center was created to support faculty with funding and resources for course-based, experiential learning projects.
Through EXCEL projects, students learn by working on relevant challenges facing our communities, building knowledge and career skills while contributing to society, and integrating course learning objectives with hands-on practice.
This approach is directly relevant to students' lives, closely aligned with course objectives, essential for career preparation, and responsive to pressing social and ecological challenges.
Projects are designed with community partners, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes for students and social systems, while respecting Indigenous lands, acknowledging their history, and supporting ongoing stewardship.
Reflection is an integral part of experiential learning, requiring faculty to facilitate transformative experiences. It provides a space for students to explore personal reflexivity, understanding how their positionality influences their perceptions of the world.
Traveled to regional art exhibition at Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center, which deals with the complicated legacy of westward expansion related to Indigenous and African-American history.
Traveled to three rural school districts to learn about unique challenges and opportunities posed for each school.
Took students to local hiking trails to connect chemistry in the classroom to the outdoors.
Class project working with Pet Haus to develop a marketing strategy for a local business.
Invited guest Reyna Banteah to engage in multiple classes and at Old Fort to connect with Indigenous agriculture practices in the region, understanding the relationship between people and food to the cultural traditional and land-based practices of the Southwest region.
Partnering with 6 immigrant members of our community to lead class presentations/discussions with students about the immigrant life experience
Student Activity Waivers are required for off campus travel with students.
It is the student’s responsibility to get waivers to the faculty and the faculty’s responsibility to ensure all waivers are collected before going to the field. The student immediately receives a copy of the completed waiver. The Dean and Provost’s office only has copies if something happens to the faculty member in the field.
Learn about the Risk Management Policy for Academic Programs Held Off Campus.
To reduce travel expenses, a faculty member can complete an online training to drive a FLC van ($65/day plus gas) for 12 people (including driver).
To become an authorized van driver, contact: Matt GriffithPhone: 970-382-6926Email: msgriffith@fortlewis.edu.
Learn about van rentals and procedures.
EXCEL Center Co-coordinatorAcademic HubPhone: 970-247-7237Email: clausen_r@fortlewis.edu
EXCEL Center Co-coordinatorAcademic Hub
Phone: 970-247-6295Email: dlpowers@fortlewis.edu