University of Regina expands career-ready learning opportunities with opening of new Centre for Experiential and Service Learning

University of Regina celebrates the grand opening of the new Centre for Experiential and Service Learning (CESL). The CESL builds on and expands the University’s experiential learning and volunteer programs so that students in all disciplines can gain hands-on work and volunteer experiences and learn by doing.

 “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 CESL offers a tremendous variety of student services in a multi-faceted one-stop shop that includes:

• A Volunteer Centre – connects volunteer organizations with students;
• Cooperative Education and Internships program;
• Student Employment Services – connects students and employers;
• Career Preparation – assists in resume and cover letter writing, and job interview preparation;
• Career Exploration and Counselling – provides services and resources for students to make important educational, career and life direction decisions;
• Indigenous Career Education – supports the academic and career-related success of Indigenous students; and
• Graduate Student Opportunities – provides additional experiential learning opportunities for graduate students and postdocs

“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.

“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.”