Susan McCahan on Integrating Experiential Learning Opportunities

How can you make a variety of experiential learning opportunities accessible to all students? How might student projects make an impact internally with the institution as client and externally for companies and community groups? What barriers might you (and students) encounter and how can you get over, around, or through them? We talk through these with Susan McCahan, Vice Provost for Innovations in Undergraduate Education at the University of Toronto. Episode Highlights include:  [03:54] Defining the Experiential Learning Menu – Susan McCahan defines experiential learning broadly at the University of Toronto, ranging from traditional co-ops and internships to undergraduate research and specialized work-study roles. [05:24] Data-Driven Student Success – The Vice Provost’s office utilizes work-study students to analyze institutional data, identifying key correlations between co-curricular involvement and higher student retention rates. [11:46] Navigating Intellectual Property – To reduce friction for partners and faculty, the university provides clear resources on IP ownership, distinguishing between corporate-owned placement work and student-owned course projects. [18:07] Building Professional Confidence – Engaging with community clients, such as designing solutions for a local women's shelter, shifts student focus from simple grade attainment to understanding the real-world impact of their professional identity. [25:35] Addressing Accessibility Barriers – The university is focused on creating a "smooth handoff" for students with disabilities and financial constraints to ensure experiential opportunities are inclusive and frictionless