Mon, 15 Jun 2026 9:00 AM - Wed, 17 Jun 2026 4:00 PM
A Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE) is a hands-on structured opportunity for students to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings, supported by reflection, mentoring, and meaningful responsibilities.
Work-based learning experiences–such as internships, research roles, community projects, student employment, and course-embedded collaborations–help students apply their knowledge in real-world settings, build professional relationships, and gain a deeper sense of purpose. These experiences demonstrate the value of a college degree, improve post-graduate outcomes, and prepare students for a lifetime of contribution and adaptability. According to Strada (2025), students who complete work-based learning experiences report a higher level of satisfaction in their work after college.
The WBLE Initiative at JMU is a commitment rooted in student success, institutional mission, and support from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Creating a quality WBLE course involves an understanding of the core competencies of WBLE courses, intentionality, and creativity to embed these competencies into courses, and time to design or redesign a course.
In this institute, each participant will participate in a three-day institute focused on assisting instructors in designing or redesigning a class to integrate the WBLE criteria. The sessions will focus on 1) introducing WBLE examples and best practices, 2) recruiting and relating to external partners as well as providing additional guidance on mentoring to support course outcomes, and 3) incorporating instructional design principles and reflective practice into WBLE courses. Instructors will also have time to develop ideas for implementation as well as give and receive feedback on ideas throughout the institute.
We are currently in the process of identifying funds to pay participants a small stipend (10-month faculty only). In exchange, they will share their learning at an event, workshop, and/or share materials for the online WBLE toolkit and course design repository on Microsoft Teams.
In partnership with the University Career Center
Program Dates & Time: Monday, June 15, to Wednesday, June 17, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: University Career Center 3240
Facilitators & Presenters
- Lori Gano-Overway, CHBS & CFI
- Anna Maria Johnson, UCC
- Jenna Piersol, CEVC
- Andreas Broscheid, CFI & CAL
Genre: Institute
Program Outcomes
- Fostering awareness of the WBLE competencies
- Designing or redesigning a course to align with WBLE competencies and criteria
- Supporting other participants in (re)designing their WBLE courses
- Sharing their learning at an event, workshop, and/or share materials for the online WBLE toolkit and course design repository on Microsoft Teams
Attendance & Registration Information
Programs within the CFI are designed to support the development of instructional faculty and AP faculty with instructional responsibilities. We also welcome staff to many of our programs. If you are interested in attending one of our programs but do not identify with the above classifications, please email cfi@jmu.edu.
For more information on registering for our programs, please visit the CFI Programs & Events web page, which includes details on registering for programs and an instructional video on how to use the registration portal.
LOG IN: If this is your first time visiting the registration page, your account will be created automatically when you sign in with your JMU e-ID and password (Okta required). Be sure to clear your browser cache/cookies upon each visit to the registration page.
- Complete your profile information:
- Update your college/division and department (use the search feature and/or select from the dropdown) and enter your Mail Stop Code (MSC) for your department on-campus mail.
- Add comments about your dietary and accommodation needs at the bottom of the profile form. (This information is collected and stored with your online account for all future programs you may attend.)
- Once your profile is complete, you should see a status update as complete on your Dashboard (an overview of your account).
Register by Friday, June 12, at 11:59 p.m.
Cancellations
If you find that you are unable to attend a scheduled event prior to the registration deadline, please return to your CFI Program Account and cancel your registration. If it is after the event registration deadline email cfi@jmu.edu as early as possible.
CFI programs will be canceled automatically if JMU is closed for inclement weather.
We want this program to be welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for all of our participants. Please describe any considerations or accommodations (e.g., dietary, disability, wellness, cultural, etc.) you want us to know about in your account profile. You may also reach out to us at cfi@jmu.edu or (540) 568-4846.