Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00 PM - Fri, 4 Dec 2026 3:00 PM

Center for Faculty Innovation

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 four 2-hour sessions (with lunch provided at 12:00 - 12:45 p.m., formal programming 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.). These sessions will focus on assisting instructors in designing or redesigning a class to integrate JMU's WBLE criteria (docx link). 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, 3) incorporating instructional design principles and reflective practice into WBLE courses, and 4) identifying JMU resources to support the design and development of WBLE courses. Instructors will also have time to develop ideas for implementation as well as give and receive feedback on ideas throughout the institute, as well as follow-up consultations to support course and assignment design.

In partnership with the University Career Center and JMU Libraries

Program Dates & Time: Fridays September 18, October 16, November 13, and December 4, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Schedule:

  • Lunch - 12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
  • Sessions - 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
  • Optional work time/collaboration - 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Location: Student Success Center 3211

Facilitators

Genre: Institute

Program Outcomes

  • Understanding the value of Work-Based Learning;
  • Enhancing work-based learning practices within a course.
  • Applying evidence-based instructional design principles to the development of high-quality WBLE courses;
  • Developing meaningful partnerships with external organizations that support authentic student learning.

Apply for Institute

Apply by Friday, September 4.

Cancellations

CFI programs will be canceled automatically if JMU is closed for inclement weather.

 

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