Applying What You Know
VCU's Relevant, Experiential and Applied Learning initiative serves as a central hub for experiential learning activities, both curricular and co-curricular, that happen as part of the VCU academic experience.
REAL works with key partners across campus: such as Undergraduate Research, Career Services, Education Abroad, and Community Engagement and Impact to bring to life President Rao's promise that all VCU students will participate in at least one hands-on learning activities during their time at the university.
At VCU, our goal is not only workforce readiness, it's world readiness.
Know Your Rights & Responsibilities
Participating in an off-campus, non-clinical activity this semester? Make sure you've signed our Student Acknowledgement of Protocols for VCU Experiential Learning Activities (Non-Clinical).
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Community Partners
REAL Experience Types & Levels
Experiential learning has many different definitions, but at its core involves an integration of disciplinary knowledge and intellectual skills with “real-world” experiences. Experiential education occurs along a continuum that prepares students to take increasingly autonomous and empowered roles in their own educational processes.
REAL experiences are defined as student engagement in transformative, career building activities that connect classroom knowledge to real-world experience, create novel approaches to complex problems, and contribute actions that benefit our educational, professional, and civil communities. All REAL experiences are classified by a Level and Type.
Apply for REAL Classification
Courses
Please use the application embedded in the CIM course form to propose a new or renew a current REAL designation. Additional information regarding accessing, proposing and editing courses can be found in the CIM User Resources folder.
For Co-curriculars
Facilitating learning beyond the classroom? Learn how to get your co-curricular officially REAL classified and apply here.
Resources
The Global Education Office helps students explore and participate in international programs around the world. Whether you’re interested in taking classes, interning, conducting research, or serving a community abroad, we’ll help you find the opportunity that fits your goals. Start shaping your global experience today.
It’s important for students to understand that the goal of education is not simply to graduate but do so at minimal cost with the greatest degree of success in their field. That kind of success requires strategic planning and VCU's major maps help students to see exactly what steps they should take, and when they should take them as they make their plans.