Working with Academic Programs

Environmental Studies

While experiential learning has always been required for the environmental studies major and concentration, spring of 2006 was the first time the environmental studies program director collaborated with a CEL staff member to offer an environmental studies internship scholarship. The opportunity was created so that an environmental studies major or concentrator could enhance her/his internship experience by taking it for credit. The scholarship recipient completes a presentation at the conclusion of the internship with the hope that other students will learn from his/her specific experience. The scholarship was awarded again this year, and the winner interned with the Director of Environmental Education at the Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center during summer '07.

Early this spring, CEL staff members were sought out by an environmental studies professor to talk more in depth about the experiential learning component of this major, and how CEL can more closely collaborate with faculty and students in this department to share resources and strategies to obtain the hands-on learning environmental studies students desire. The initial conversation was incredibly productive. Resources and models were shared and follow-up conversations are planned to further develop this relationship.
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Mayo Medical Ventures (cross-disciplinary)

The Mayo Scholars Program, a unique experiential learning opportunity for selected science and economics majors, was piloted during the 2006-07 academic year. Through the program, student teams evaluate projects submitted to Mayo Medical Ventures, the arm of Mayo responsible for evaluating potential business opportunities for discoveries and inventions created by Mayo Clinic physicians and researchers.  The program, a new initiative between a select group of Minnesota Private Colleges and the Mayo Clinic, was developed by John Meslow ’60, retired VP of Medtronic, with input from David Van Wylen and CEL staff.   Medtronic underwrote the pilot program.

This collaboration between the Center for Experiential Learning, the natural sciences, and economics was developed to provide students an opportunity to be involved with the business side of the medical world.  The program is structured as an interdisciplinary academic internship during Interim.  St. Olaf is allotted two separate projects from Mayo Medical Ventures and therefore, selects two teams, each comprised of four students.  Team members are selected on the basis of the academic background necessary for the specific project assigned.  An MBA student from St. Thomas or Augsburg provides organizational leadership for each team.

During January of 2007, Kevin Crisp supervised both of the St. Olaf projects.  The team evaluating the market potential of an orthopedic shoulder and elbow positioner was comprised of students with background in chemistry, physics, mathematics, economics and biomedical studies.  A second team investigated a screening technology that could potentially provide earlier and more specific treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; this team was made up of students with biology and economics majors.  Team members spent the month of January researching and evaluating their respective technologies.  Their findings were presented to licensing managers at Mayo Medical Ventures in mid-February; a full report, which included details of the research, a SWOT analysis, and a final recommendation for the technology, was also submitted to MMV.

Since this year was a pilot, Meslow coordinated a thorough evaluation of the program.  Data gathered from all the St. Olaf participants highlighted the many positive aspects of the program.  Structuring the experience as an academic internship clearly provided a superior product and a more robust experience than was experienced by colleges that did not offer credit for their students’ participation. A decision has been made to continue the program for the coming year.  As of the 2007-08 academic year, the Mayo Scholars academic internship will be considered a regular part of the Natural Science curriculum.

Pre-Law

The CEL works closely with the Pre-Law program at St. Olaf to encourage students to pursue a broad program of study that strengthens their abilities in writing, reading, speaking, and analysis and to embark upon experiential learning activities that complement their unique classroom learning.  Doug Casson (Political Science), and Kirsten Cahoon (Career Connections, CEL) work collaboratively as co-chairs to advise students considering law, and assist those who are applying to law schools.  Cahoon and Casson, along with the larger pre-law advising committee -- Karen Cherewatuk (English), Anthony Rudd (Philosophy), and Steve Hahn (History) -- organize panels, speakers, and forums each semester for students interested in law.  In addition, CEL staff facilitate law school visits and information sessions, as well as LSAT prep sessions. The CEL also offers workshops to prepare and educate pre-law students on the process.  Typical programs have included “Law School: Options and Applying,” “Graduate/Professional School Application Process,” “Writing the Personal Statement,” and “Writing a Graduate/Professional School Resume/Curriculum Vitae.”  Additionally, the CEL has worked to create and facilitate law-related internships, jobs, and networking opportunities that help students discern whether the field of law is right for them.
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