University of Regina expands career-ready learning opportunities with the opening of its new Centre for Experiential and Service Learning
The University of Regina today celebrated the grand opening of the new Centre for Experiential and Service Learning (CESL), a one-stop shop for students that includes a Volunteer Centre, Cooperative Education and Internships, Student Employment Services, Career Preparation and other services.
“The Centre is a tangible example of the University of Regina’s commitment to providing our students with practical, real-world learning opportunities so that all 16,000 of our current students – and our future students for many years to come – can graduate career-ready,” said University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jeff Keshen.
The Centre builds on and expands the University’s existing experiential learning and volunteer programs so that students in all disciplines can gain hands-on work and volunteer experiences and learn by doing.
“In establishing the CESL, our primary goal is not only to provide a customizable marketplace for students to explore their interests and to develop skills, but to be able to track that engagement and then, with the assistance of instructors, peers and CESL staff, readily articulate the many applied skills they have acquired in their time at the U of R, whether it be for further career or educational aspirations,” said the U of R’s Director of Student Success Kevin Bolen.
The U of R has a 53-year history with experiential and service learning starting the first co-op program in Western Canada in 1969 with 21 placements. This year saw a record number of 929 co-op placements with students earning nearly $12 million.
Since 1969, more than 28,000 co-op and internship students have obtained work terms earning the equivalent of $360 million in today’s dollars. As well, over 2,500 international students have obtained work terms in the past two decades and, in the past 15 years, over 800 Indigenous students attending the U of R and FNUniv have obtained career related internships.
“I have been extensively involved with the ambassador program, which has allowed me to be more involved with our campus community, and with the co-op program, which incorporates productive hands-on experience and work outside of the classroom,” said third-year computer science student Zeeshan Nasir. “I am really excited about the new centre because it puts all of these amazing volunteer, career and employment services opportunities together and it will be easier than ever to take advantage of these different services for students.”
While there are volunteer and service learning opportunities currently embedded within various faculties and the federated colleges these opportunities are being expanded and new opportunities are being developed so that all students can participate in volunteer placements related to their course work.
“It is my hope that students in all disciplines take advantage of the service learning opportunities to better appreciate the power of their knowledge to positively affect the public good, and feel inspired to be engaged citizens,” said Keshen. “In doing so, those students will be yet another meaningful demonstration of our collective commitment to the University’s motto: As One Who Serves.”
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About the University of Regina
Set in the heart of the Canadian prairies we are a comprehensive, mid-sized university where the opportunities are as limitless as the horizon. Our campuses are on Treaty 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. It is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future for all. Our three federated colleges, 10 faculties, 25 academic departments, and 18 research centres foster innovative research with practical and theoretical applications. We are committed to cultivating the potential of our 16,700 students and supporting their health and well-being. We take learning beyond the classroom through work and volunteer experiences to develop career-ready graduates.
Let’s go far, together.