Applied Learning�Graduation Requirement

AP 303-21 Undergraduate Students

e. Applied Learning: Students will complete

at least one applied learning experience within their major or through other curricular or co-curricular activities. To be enacted in the 2027-2028 Academic Catalog.

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What is Applied Learning?

1. Applied Laboratory Work
2. Apprenticeship
3. Classroom-Based Applied Learning/Simulation
4. Clinical Experiences
5. Community-Based Projects
6. Co-ops (Cooperative Education)
7. Fellowships
8. Field Work

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9. Internships
10. Performance
11. Practicums
12. Service-learning experiences
13. Student Employment and Leadership through EWU
14. Study Abroad
15. Undergraduate Research
16. Volunteerism

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Applied Learning�Graduation Requirement

• Every undergraduate student participates in a meaningful applied learning experience prior to graduation
• Applied learning requirement begins Fall 2027
• Applied learning is an educational approach where students actively acquire knowledge through direct, hands-on experience
• Applied learning bridges the gap between the classroom and the workforce making students more prepared for future careers
• All programs do applied learning (program webpages have applied learning bullet points)
• May be fulfilled at the program level and eventually at the course-level and through extracurricular activities
• Employers, community partners, and alumni consistently say students need practical experience before graduation to help them find jobs and ensure they’re “career-ready”
• Formalizing applied learning as a graduation requirement enhances career-readiness, strengthens community partnerships, and provides equitable access to experiential education for all students

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3

Implementation Plan

• Programs that require applied learning will fill out a PIM form by Oct 31, 2026
• Approval will go through a truncated workflow
• Programs that do not require it will have to enter exceptions in Degree Works for each student
• Assessment will be based on NACE competencies
• Future work includes course-level and co-curricular fulfillment

4

Applied Learning Graduation Requirement

Applied Learning:

• An educational approach where students actively acquire knowledge through direct, hands-on experience
• Bridges the gap between the classroom and the workforce
• Employers, community partners, and alumni consistently say students need practical experience before graduation to help them find jobs and ensure they’re “career-ready”

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5

DS Suggestion

Every undergraduate student participates in a meaningful

applied learning experience prior to graduation

Applied Learning Graduation Requirement

• Begins Fall 2027
• All programs do applied learning (program webpages have applied learning bullet points)
• May be fulfilled at the program level - eventually at the course-level and through extracurricular activities
• Formalizing applied learning as a graduation requirement:
• enhances career-readiness,
• strengthens community partnerships,
• provides equitable access to experiential education for all students

6

DS Suggestion