Experience the Experiential Learning Center’s Grand Opening

On Friday, campus community is invited to center where students ‘learn by doing’

Who: Eric Link, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; Kouhyar Tavakolian, director of the Biomedical Engineering Program; Lavinia Iancu, director of Forensic Science Program; Liam Ghahreman, a UND biology major; and Chelsea Mellenthin, director of Career Engagement, will give remarks at the event.

 What: Event celebrates the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new UND Experiential Learning Center (ELC). After remarks are given, there will be an open house and tours of the center.

 When: Remarks begin on Friday, Oct. 6, at 10:30 a.m. The ribbon cutting will be held at 10:50 a.m., followed by the open house at 11 a.m.

 Where: McCannel Hall, Room 190. The building is located behind the Memorial Union, along the pedestrian walkway. Passport parking is available on the first floor of the parking ramp located along North Columbia Road.

Background: UND is showing its commitment to expanding experiential learning opportunities with the creation of the new Experiential Learning Center (ELC) in McCannel Hall, Room 190. Experiential learning, or the process where students “learn by doing,” includes experiences such as undergraduate research, service learning, study abroad, and applied learning opportunities. The latter category includes internships, co-ops, and other experiences where students can apply learning from the classroom in a real-world setting.

“The rapid pace of changes in industry and globalization requires us to ensure that students are getting experiences at UND that prepare them for today’s workforce,” said Eric Link, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “UND’s new Experiential Learning Center will help identify and accelerate workforce learning and development opportunities for our students regardless of their program or degree.”

Expanding experiential learning is a strategic priority of the UND LEADS Strategic plan. Hands-on learning opportunities help promote a culture of exploration, discovery and real-life problem solving. The Experiential Learning Center will work closely with higher education, community, and industry leaders around the world to develop and support accessible, engaging, and innovative experiential learning opportunities for all UND students.

“From internships, co-ops, study abroad programs, or undergraduate research, the opportunities to get involved and build the skills necessary to be ready for an evolving workforce is at the heart of why the Center was created,” said Chelsea Mellenthin, director of Career Engagement. “We are excited to build upon collaborations with faculty, staff, and external partners which will help expand these types of opportunities for our students.”

In addition, the Experiential Learning Center will house UND’s new Career Closet, which provides business-casual and professional clothing for enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. The clothing can be used at networking events and interviews, or as students start their new career.

Questions: For any questions, please contact Chelsea Mellenthin, director of Career Engagement at chelsea.mellenthin@und.edu or 701.777.2117.