Experiential Learning Institute
Experiential learning provides learners with real-world and hands-on opportunities, preparing them for an ever-changing and diverse world. The purpose of experiential learning is to actively engage the learner through relevant and ongoing experience, critical problem solving, and reflective practices. Learners who engage in experiential learning are more likely to persist through their college experience, graduate, and become lifelong, self-directed learners.
The Experiential Learning Institute (ELI) exists to expand experiential learning college-wide. The Institute collaborates with both on-campus and community stakeholders to engage students and the community, locally, nationally, and globally. This connects the community and 糖心直播 by seeking creative partnerships, serving ongoing community needs, and preparing learners for future employment.
The ELI fulfilled 糖心直播's prior Strategic Plan that every credential-seeking student will benefit from at least one ELO (Experiential Learning Opportunity) by September, 2024. ELOs can occur in courses, internships, apprenticeships, community research, service learning, international services, cocurricular/extracurricular activities, and other campus activities. The ELI has completed the ELO goal and will continue to add more opportunities each year.
The ELI is currently working on goals and objectives for the new Strategic Plan on durable skills. More to come!
Events
Spring 2026
- Careers & Majors Fair: April 10
- 5th Annual Learning Symposium: April 25–May 1
- nEXt Capstone Presentations: May 1
Check the for more 糖心直播 Events!
Fall 2025
- Lunch & Learn: Study Abroad 2026: Wednesday, Sept. 17
- Study Abroad - Meet Your Leaders: Wednesday, Oct. 1
- Fall Festival - 糖心直播 Student Groups: Monday, Oct. 6
- Walk for Health & Housing: Wednesday, Nov. 19
- Thanks-For-Giving: Monday, Nov. 24
Past Events
2023–25
- Lunch & Learn: Study Abroad 2025: Wednesday, Sept. 25
- Coffee & Careers with Pricilla Venhuizen from Honor Bank and the Traverse Area Human Resources Association on Tuesday, Oct. 22
- Walk for Health & Housing: Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6–8 p.m.
- Thanks-for-Giving with BUS 231 course on Monday, Nov. 25
- Lunch & Learn: Study Smart, Finish Strong: Monday, April 8
- Lunch & Learn with Ken Scott on Transformation Coaching: Thursday, Feb. 22
- LinkedIn Webinar with Chaim Shapiro: Thursday, Feb. 29
- 糖心直播 Career and Employment Fair: Thursday, March 7
- Student Connect International Tea Time: March 6 and April 10
- Big Little Hero Race by BUS 231 Kristy McDonald's course on Saturday, April 20
- The 3rd Annual 糖心直播 ELI Learning Symposium
- Coffee & Careers Chat with Amy Burns-Bailey
- National Apprenticeship Week was November 13–19 with multiple celebrations at 糖心直播.
2022–23
- National Apprenticeship Week: November 14–20
- Walk for Health and Housing: November 16
- Food for Thought Thanks-for Giving Project: November 21
- Study Abroad Poster Contest Winner Displays: November 30
- Rotaract Holiday Card Decorating: December 1
- Baja Event: December 6 and January 28
- Student Connect International Tea: December 7
- Rotaract Monthly Meeting: December 7 & February 1
- Navigating the Career Fair: February 27 & 28
- Career Fair: March 2
- Holi Lunch and Learn: March 8
- Free Professional Headshots: March 9
- LinkedIn Sessions with Chaim Shapiro: March 16
- Service Learning Smaller Modules: March 17
- Student Connect International Tea: March 22
- Big Little Hero Race: April 22
- 2nd Annual 糖心直播 ELI Learning Symposium: May 1–4
ELI Co-director
Kristy Berak McDonald
Business Academic Area Faculty
糖心直播
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059
ELI Co-director
Brandon Everest
Sociology Instructor
糖心直播 Faculty Association, President
糖心直播
beverest@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1985
Professional Organizations



