Experiential Learning Institute

Experiential learning provides learners 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 NMC by seeking creative partnerships, serving ongoing community needs, and preparing learners for future employment.

The Strategic Plan was approved by the NMC Board of Trustees and the ELI's goal is 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.

Past Events

2023–25

Lunch & Learn: Study Abroad 2025: Wednesday, Sept. 25 from Noon–1:15 p.m. in the TJNIC 106/107.
Coffee & Careers with Pricilla Venhuizen from Honor Bank and the Traverse Area Human Resources Association on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from Noon–1 p.m. in the ELI Office, TJNIC 103.
Walk for Health & Housing: Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6–8 p.m., meet at NMC's Great Lakes Campus.
Thanks-for-Giving with BUS 231 course on Monday, Nov. 25 in the afternoon, handing out free Thanksgiving meals to those who sign up in advance. Contact Kristy McDonald (kmcdonald@nmc.edu) for more information.
Lunch & Learn: Study Smart, Finish Strong: Monday, April 8 from Noon–1 p.m. in the TJNIC 103.
Lunch & Learn with Ken Scott on Transformation Coaching: Thursday, Feb. 22 from 1–2 p.m. in Parsons-Stulen Room 226 on NMC's Aero Park campus.
LinkedIn Webinar with Chaim Shapiro: Thursday, Feb. 29 from 1–2 p.m.
- Video from Webinar
NMC Career and Employment Fair: Thursday, March 7. Find more career fair information here.
Student Connect International Tea Time: March 6 and April 10 at 9:15 a.m. in Osterlin.
Big Little Hero Race by BUS 231 Kristy McDonald's course on Saturday, April 20. Register at biglittleherorace.com.
The 3rd Annual NMC ELI Learning Symposium began Monday, April 29.

Coffee & Careers Chat with Amy Burns-Bailey on the last Wednesday of each month from 9–10 a.m. in the Experiential Learning Institute (TJNIC Room 103).
Thanks-for-Giving with BUS 231 course on Monday, Nov. 20 in the afternoon, handing out free Thanksgiving meals to those who sign up. If you'd like to donate, please visit Give : NMC Foundation at Northwestern Michigan College (designate your gift to "other" and write in "Thanks For Giving").
Walk for Health and Housing took place on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. meeting at the Great Lakes Campus then walking through downtown Traverse City.
National Apprenticeship Week was November 13–19 with multiple celebrations at NMC.