Experiential Learning Graduation Requirement
Roger Williams University provides dynamic, real-world learning that prepares students for what the world need next. Experiential learning bridges the classroom to the real-world.
Through experiential learning, students transform learning into doing. By engaging directly with real-world challenges, students develop critical skills, gain confidence, and gain a broader perspective. This powerful combination of classroom and hands-on experience deepens academic understanding, prepares students for meaningful careers, and sets them apart in a competitive world.
At Roger Williams University all students are required to participate in and experiential learning experience to satisfy the Experiential Learning Requirement. The requirement, which must be completed prior to graduation, forms a part of the student’s transcript.
Requirements
Students will satisfy the Experiential Learning requirement by completing one (or more) of the following:
- An experiential course;
- An internship, co-op, or practicum (paid, unpaid, for-credit, or not-for-credit);
- An original research project or creative work undertaken with a faculty sponsor;
- A volunteer experience (40-50 hours) or community service work study position with a non-profit, government, or global organization; or
- A study abroad experience.
Students will not be expected to begin work on fulfilling this requirement until after their first year.
Important Notes
- Transfer students who entered 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ× with 24 or more credits are exempt from the requirement. 
- For students entering 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ× during the 2020-2021 academic year:  The Engaged Learning graduation requirement was waived due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on service locations.
- For students entering during other academic years, please refer to the section below that reflects your entrance year.
Beginning with the class of 2025, students will satisfy the Experiential Learning graduation requirement by completing one (or more) of the following:
- An experiential course;
- An internship, co-op, or practicum (paid, unpaid, for-credit, or not-for-credit);
- An original research project or creative work undertaken with a faculty sponsor;
- A volunteer experience (40-50 hours) or community service work study position with a non-profit, government, or global organization; or
- A study abroad experience.
Beginning with the class of 2025, students will satisfy the Engaged Learning graduation requirement by completing one (or more) of the following:
- A community engaged course (i.e., courses, including those offered through study abroad programs that involve collaborations with community-based organizations).
- A public service internship (typically with non-profit or government agency, including through 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s Washington Semester and Summer Program).
- A community engaged research project (undertaken with a faculty sponsor).
- An intensive volunteer experience (40-50 hours with a community organization).
Beginning with the class of 2025, students will satisfy the Feinstein Service Learning (FSL) graduation requirement by completing one (or more) of the following:
- A community engaged course (i.e., courses, including those offered through study abroad programs that involve collaborations with community-based organizations).
- A public service internship (typically with non-profit or government agency, including through 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s Washington Semester and Summer Program).
- A community engaged research project (undertaken with a faculty sponsor).
- An intensive volunteer experience (40-50 hours with a community organization).
Beginning with the class of 2025, students will satisfy the Feinstein Service Learning (FSL) graduation requirement by completing one (or more) of the following:
- A community engaged course (i.e., courses, including those offered through study abroad programs that involve collaborations with community-based organizations).
- A public service internship (typically with non-profit or government agency, including through 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s Washington Semester and Summer Program).
- A community engaged research project (undertaken with a faculty sponsor).
- An intensive volunteer experience (40-50 hours with a community organization)
Under the auspices of the philanthropy of Alan Shawn Feinstein, Roger Williams University in 1998 created a campus program, now known as the Feinstein Center, to support faculty and students as they engage in curricular and co-curricular community based learning. All undergraduate day students are required to record at least one of these service experiences on their transcript (as FSL.999) and is part of the degree audit. This is done through the Feinstein Center, who communicates completion of the requirement to the University Registrar.
Under the auspices of the philanthropy of Alan Shawn Feinstein, Roger Williams University in 1998 created a campus program, now known as the Feinstein Center, to support faculty and students as they engage in curricular and co-curricular community based learning. All undergraduate day students are required to record at least one of these service experiences on their transcript (as FSL.999) and is part of the degree audit. This is done through the Feinstein Center, who communicates completion of the requirement to the University Registrar.
A majority of incoming students complete this requirement through the annual Community Connections program, a special day of service involving the entire incoming class as well as 200 faculty, staff, and student group leaders. Roger Williams University community members serve with approximately 50 non-profit agencies and municipalities in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Projects address myriad community issues including sustainability, hunger, youth development, homelessness, housing, community development, and historic preservation.