{"id":4242,"date":"2023-12-05T09:55:22","date_gmt":"2023-12-05T15:55:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/set\/?page_id=4242"},"modified":"2026-03-26T12:18:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T17:18:05","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/set\/experiential-learning\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"uwm-l-row\">\n<div class=\"uwm-l-col uwm-l-col--4 uwm-l-order--last uwm-l-offset--1\">\n<div class=\"uwm-l-buttons--full\">\n<a class=\"uwm-c-button uwm-c-button--full uwm-u-mb-20\" href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/set\/experiential-learning\/request-information\/\" rel=\"\">Request Information<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-block-otp-nav \"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-l-col\">\n<p class=\"lead-in\">Explore some of our most frequently asked questions about 51ÁÔÆæ&#8217;s experiential learning opportunities. If you&#8217;re an external partner, check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/set\/experiential-learning\/partners-in-experiential-learning\/#faqs\">partners page<\/a> for related FAQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-general-experiential-learning-questions\">General Experiential Learning Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">How does experiential learning benefit students and add to their college experience?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>Experiential learning adds a lot of value to a college degree. Students who participate in experiential learning not only build their resumes and increase their chances of getting hired after graduation, they also make connections, gain and refine valuable skills they could only get outside the classroom, and better learn what they want their future careers to look like.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Which experiential learning opportunity is the right one for me? How do I get started?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>If you&#8217;re a prospective 51ÁÔÆæ student, fill out the <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/set\/experiential-learning\/request-information\/#tab-forms-future-students\">experiential learning contact form.<\/a> If you&#8217;re a current 51ÁÔÆæ student, reach out to your academic advisor and discuss which experiential learning opportunities might work best for your degree and career goals. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Is experiential learning a graduation requirement at 51ÁÔÆæ?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>Although experiential learning isn&#8217;t currently a graduation requirement, about 80% of undergraduate programs at 51ÁÔÆæ require some form of experiential learning. Check the graduation requirements of your academic program to see what, if any, experiential learning is required.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">What is the difference between an internship and a co-op?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, the main difference between them is the time invested. <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/set\/internships\/\">An internship<\/a> is usually part-time and can be paid or unpaid. <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/set\/experiential-learning\/professional\/#cooperatives\">A co-op<\/a> is a paid, full-time experience. Both internships and co-ops can lead to full-time job offers after graduation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">What is the difference between a curricular experience and a co-curricular experience?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>Curricular experiential learning experiences are opportunities that are incorporated directly into courses or programs. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/set\/community-engagement\/engage-through-service-learning\/\">a service-learning project<\/a> that&#8217;s a required part of a course. A co-curricular experience is one that complements a course or program but isn&#8217;t required to pass or graduate. For example, an education major who works as a tutor at the <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/studentsuccess\/\">51ÁÔÆæ Student Success Center<\/a> isn&#8217;t required to do so to graduate but it adds to their program of study.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-current-uwm-students\">Current 51ÁÔÆæ Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Can first-year students participate in experiential learning?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>Yes, any student at 51ÁÔÆæ can participate in experiential learning. Students are encouraged to engage in experiential learning throughout all stages of their time at 51ÁÔÆæ.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Can I get paid for experiential learning even if I&#8217;m earning credit for it?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>Many paid learning experiences, like internships, can also earn credit. Individual departments may have specific rules on students being paid while also earning credit for the same experience. As a whole, 51ÁÔÆæ is moving toward credit-bearing internships being eligible for pay.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Can an experience not included on this site count as experiential learning?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>If an individual thinks what they are engaging in may count as experiential learning, they should contact Ben Trager at <a href=\"mailto:bwtrager@uwm.edu\">bwtrager@uwm.edu<\/a> to learn the process for submitting the experience for review and approval.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Are there grants or other funds available for experiential learning opportunities that have associated costs, like study abroad?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>For many forms of experiential learning, such as undergraduate research, internships and clinical experiences, students can receive funding.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Do students need insurance to leave campus for an experiential learning-related activity?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>No, students do not need any special insurance to engage in experiential learning.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">How can I get to my experiential learning site if I don&#8217;t have a car?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>All students receive a free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ridemcts.com\/\">Milwaukee County Transit System<\/a> (MCTS) bus pass, and students can use the bus to get to many experiential learning opportunities. Staff in the Center for Student Experience and Talent (SET) can help students learn how to use the MCTS bus system.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Will I be excluded from experiential learning if I have a criminal record?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>No, a criminal record will not exclude you from all experiential learning opportunities. There are opportunities available for individuals with criminal records.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Who do I contact at 51ÁÔÆæ if something happens while at an experiential learning site?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>Please contact Ben Trager at <a href=\"mailto:bwtrager@uwm.edu\">bwtrager@uwm.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Are there virtual experiential learning options?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>Yes, virtual or remote experiences\u00a0are available for many forms of experiential learning, such as volunteering, <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/set\/internships\/\">internships<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/set\/community-engagement\/engage-through-service-learning\/\">service-learning<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">What if I don&#8217;t have time to meet the experiential learning requirement for my program?<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>If your program requires experiential learning and you have challenges with scheduling, contact your program director or advisor.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":28105,"featured_media":0,"parent":4232,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","uwm_wg_additional_authors":[]},"class_list":["post-4242","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - 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