Curricular Community Engaged Learning integrates service to the community with specific course curriculum. As part of the requirements of earning course credit, students complete a placement and/or a project defined by a community organization to advance their mission. CEL courses are offered within various faculties and disciplines. This hands-on, practical experience in the community provides opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of course content as it applies to local and international contexts.

39 courses
had embedded CEL experiences in 2022-2023

55,982 hours
of engagement toward community projects through coursework

226
curricular community partners in the 2022-2023 academic year

What to expect when participating in curricular CEL:

Students enrolled in a CEL course engage each week with a project or placement, depending on the partnering organization's needs.

  • Placement-Based CEL

  • Project-Based CEL

Students spend approximately 2-4 hours each week off-site at the organization fulfilling a specific need(s) and/or completing a project determined by the community partner.

Students work in a group (approx. 3-10 students) to complete a project and deliver a specific outcome determined by the community partner. Recent highlights on projects that emerge out of these collaborations can be found on our institutional repository, Scholarship@Western.


The Rewards of Participating in Community Engaged Learning

Curricular CEL allows you to get involved in community issues, while earning credit toward your degree. Imagine developing a communications plan that will be used by partners in their planning; organizing an event which promotes change and growth in the London community; or connecting with other populations outside of Western as you gain valuable experience and earn course credit!

Snapshot Benefits

  • Increase interest and understanding of course material and its application
  • Promote civic engagement and social awareness and responsibility
  • Strengthen individuals attachment to their community
  • Recognize your own integral role in the growth of your community
  • Gain hands-on experience in the non-profit sector
  • Develop personal, professional, and intellectual skills
  • Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Develop and fine-tune communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
  • Learn more about social issues, their root causes, and potential solutions
  • Meet interesting people and expand your network
  • Build connections that can potentially lead to future employment

Hear from your Peers

Further Considerations

Many of our CEL placements and projects will require students to obtain a Criminal Record or Vulnerable Sector check. This can be completed through the London Police Service or through police service in your hometown provided that you have remained an official resident of that municipality. 

For more information about Police Checks in London and how to obtain them, please access our resource: Information Regarding Police Checks

 

Access important resources for in-person and virtual Community Engaged Learning