Experiential Learning requirement, academic support this spring
Experiential Learning requirement, academic support this spring
FEBRUARY 2021, ISSUE NO. 12
Miami Family,
Spring Semester is in full swing as we enter the third week of classes. Now is a great time to check in with your student about classes and about other plans for the semester (joining organizations). The stress of a new semester has likely subsided as they get into the routine of classes. 
This issue of Miami Family Focus includes information about opportunities to fulfill Miami's experiential learning requirement, as well as information about academic support services for spring semester. As always, review previous issues of Miami Family Focus on our Stay in Touch page.
I would like to introduce myself as I have been working on these newsletters with Mark this year. My name is Nathan Flyzik and I am the graduate assistant for Parent & Family programs. I am proud to be a member of the Miami Family and look forward to serving you and your student!
Love and Honor,
Nathan Flyzik
Graduate Assistant, Parent & Family Programs
Experiential Learning in the Global Miami Plan
All Miami undergraduate students are required to complete the Global Miami Plan for Liberal Education, which includes an Experiential Learning requirement. Experiential Learning (EL) is the process of making meaning from direct experience in the "real world" outside the classroom. EL helps students connect and further develop their academic knowledge and skills in new settings. The Experiential Learning requirement has no specific credit hour minimum and may be fulfilled with coursework that also fulfills other Global Miami Plan requirements. Options include internships, undergraduate research, and Service-Learning designated courses.
Service-Learning designated courses at Miami are courses that "use action and reflection to meet needs and enhance learning through mutually beneficial, reciprocal partnerships." This practice infuses course content with community service and intentional reflection. Students can view current Service-Learning courses by visiting the online Course List and searching for courses with the "SL" attribute.
Students in yellow safety vests performing service in a warehouse Student sitting with two young children working on math
Academic assistance for the Spring 
The Rinella Learning Center assists all Miami students in their pursuit of academic success. Over the last year, the Rinella Learning Center adapted the majority of academic support services to a remote format. In the fall, 3,000 students utilized one or more services such as academic counseling, academic coaching, subject-specific tutoring, or Supplemental Instruction. This number was lower than previous fall semesters, with tutoring numbers a fraction of the norm.
We want to make sure both students and families are aware of academic support services available for all students (whether attending in person or remotely) and how best to access those services. Two that we suggest you and your student explore:
  • Tutoring is designed to help students in a course and feel overwhelmed or underprepared.  Tutoring supported courses are typically 100 or 200 level courses that many students find challenging. To register for tutoring and to see a list of courses covered, students should visit the Tutoring website.
  • Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic support program that targets historically difficult courses (those with a high percentage of Ds, Fs and Ws). SI is free, regularly-scheduled review sessions available to all students enrolled in the course. Students can find out about the availability of Supplemental Instruction online and through their faculty member.
If a student is struggling academically and does not know what academic support is best for them, they should complete an “I am struggling” request on Rinella’s site. Students will be connected with a learning specialist to determine an academic support plan moving forward.   
Miss an issue of Miami Family Focus? All past issues are on our Newsletters page.
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