Experiential Education Unit hosts two-day fair for students, faculty, and alumni
The annual event showcased networking and for-credit opportunities for students.

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The Experiential Education Unit (EEU) hosted its annual Experiential Education Fair on September 22 and 23. The two-day event featured an undergraduate research showcase, information sessions, tabling, and discussions with academic units, external partners, and students.

The event comprised information sessions featuring campus partners and external partners, and opportunities for students to learn and ask questions about for-credit experiential learning opportunities at UTM.

Student representatives from the EEU, UTM Students’ Union, and the Reach Alliance tabled at the fair with staff and faculty. They connected with students and shared information about the wide range of experiential learning opportunities available across different programs. 

Last year’s EEU Fair was a one-day event which only featured an undergraduate research showcase. This year, it has extended to a two-day event. The turnout and engagement exceeded expectations.

Associate Dean of Experiential Learning Dr. Vivienne Luk described the advantages of a two-day format in an interview with The Medium. “On the first day, students could discover opportunities and begin asking questions about how to get involved.” She continued, “On the second day, students could see examples of what those experiences can lead to by speaking with students who had already taken that next step.”

The event was open to all students interested in learning about for-credit experiential learning opportunities available at UTM. EEU’s core programming includes Academic Internships, Community Engaged Learning, the Research Opportunity Program, Field Courses, and, most recently, the Co-op Internship Program, which launched in fall 2024. UTM is the last campus across U of T’s tri-campus community to implement co-op internship programs.

Rena Banwait, director of experiential education and community engagement, shared, “This was based on student demand and employers’ interest — which is really exciting.” She added, “We want students to continuously be curious about experiential learning.”

Available opportunities 

Acting Manager, Experiential Education Rima Abu-Shakra, shared an extensive list of opportunities that the EEU offers UTM students.

Abu-Shakra shared that during the Connection Space portion of the fair, the University Health Network (UHN) was a popular partner among students. The UHN representative engaged with students in biology and chemical and physical sciences. They outlined the possible journey for students, starting with the many opportunities the EEU provides to work alongside UHN.

The Research Showcase included approximately 80 students who presented throughout the day. 

Begum Seri, a fifth-year student specializing in psychology and minoring in education studies, presented her research project—The Impact of Inducing Self-Transcendent Emotions on Wellbeing. 

Seri shared, “I decided to present because there are different disciplines here. And students are coming to learn about these programs.” She was excited to share her experience with peers and provide advice on presenting. Seri said, “You connect with people, learn about other research and how to get involved.”

Dr. Luk echoed this sentiment. “Experiential learning is not simply about gaining experience, it is about helping students transition from seeing themselves primarily as learners to seeing themselves as professionals, researchers, leaders, and contributors to society.”

The EEU hosts multiple events throughout the academic year, tailored to highlight the different types of experiential learning opportunities available to students.

One of these initiatives is the Lecture Me! series, which showcases research by UTM faculty from various academic disciplines in an engaging and accessible way for the broader community at the Hazel McCallion Central Library in Mississauga.

The next Lecture Me! event will take place on October 6, featuring Dr. Christina Vanden Bosch der Nederlanden. She will share her research in a talk themed, “Learning to Communicate: How Do We Pay Attention to What’s Relevant in Our Busy Auditory World?” Interested students can drop by from 7 to 8:15 p.m. to learn how humans become fluent in music and language. 

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