{"id":19,"date":"2024-07-30T20:41:13","date_gmt":"2024-07-30T20:41:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/?page_id=19"},"modified":"2026-06-24T04:04:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T04:04:54","slug":"op_forstudents","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/op_forstudents\/","title":{"rendered":"Opportunities for Students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Experiential Learning at MTSU provides you with incredible opportunities for hands-on experience in your field of interest, valuable networking with business professionals, and exploring career paths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-mtsublue-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/opportunities\/\" style=\"border-radius:5px\">Learn more about your options!<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-mtsublue-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" style=\"border-radius:5px\">EXL Classes and Faculty<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">EXL Scholar Graduation Distinction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Students must meet the <a href=\"https:\/\/w1.mtsu.edu\/exl\/requirements.php\">requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"is-style-compact-list wp-block-list\">\n<li>Receive Tri-color cords for graduation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stand for special recognition at commencement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Receive a certificate suitable for framing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Earn EXL Scholar notation on transcript<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Outstanding EXL Student Award<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The outstanding EXL Student Award is given annually to students who hold a distinguished record of service in the EXL Scholars Program.&nbsp; Up to three awards will be made annually with a value of $500 each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-block accordion expandable-group expandable-group-lightblock\" id=\"newExpandable\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingaward-information\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandableaward-information\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandableaward-information\">Award Information<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandableaward-information\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingaward-information\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<p><strong>Description<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Outstanding EXL Student Award is given annually to students who hold a distinguished record of service in the EXL Scholars Program. Up to three awards will be made annually with a cash value of $500 each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Application Process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The application process includes the following support documents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>List of EXL Courses completed and those currently in progress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A reflective essay explaining the value of experiential\/service learning including demonstrated vision and leadership in EXL projects\/activities, and the impact of your EXL projects\/activities on the community. (1-2 pages double spaced)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Two samples of completed coursework from Experiential Learning Projects (Papers, Presentations, Research, etc.) to support this nomination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Selection Process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Applications will be reviewed by the EXL Awards Committee and the top three candidates will<br>be selected. Award recipients will be notified and recognized at the award ceremony of the<br>respective college.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingoutstanding-exl-student-award-winners\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapsenewExpandableoutstanding-exl-student-award-winners\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapsenewExpandableoutstanding-exl-student-award-winners\">Outstanding EXL Student Award Winners<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapsenewExpandableoutstanding-exl-student-award-winners\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingoutstanding-exl-student-award-winners\" data-bs-parent=\"#newExpandable\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-block accordion expandable-group expandable-group-lightblock\" id=\"years\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"heading2020-2021-outstanding-exl-student-award-winners\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseyears2020-2021-outstanding-exl-student-award-winners\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseyears2020-2021-outstanding-exl-student-award-winners\">2020 &#8211; 2021 Outstanding EXL Student Award Winners<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseyears2020-2021-outstanding-exl-student-award-winners\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"heading2020-2021-outstanding-exl-student-award-winners\" data-bs-parent=\"#years\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<ul class=\"is-style-default wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/Kendall_Basham.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"53\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kendall Basham &#8211; Outstanding EXL Student Award Winner 2020-2021<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/Katelyn_Gardner.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"52\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Katelyn Gardner &#8211; Outstanding EXL Student Award Winner 2020-2021<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/Lena_Truong.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"54\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lena Truong &#8211; Outstanding EXL Student Award Winner 2020-2021<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-mtsu-blocks-expandable-item accordion-item expandable-heading expandable-heading-lightblock\"><h2 class=\"accordion-header\" id=\"headingpast-outstanding-exl-student-award-winners\"><button class=\"accordion-button collapsed\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapseyearspast-outstanding-exl-student-award-winners\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapseyearspast-outstanding-exl-student-award-winners\">Past Outstanding EXL Student Award Winners<\/button><\/h2><div id=\"collapseyearspast-outstanding-exl-student-award-winners\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse expandable-content expandable-content-lightblock\" aria-labelledby=\"headingpast-outstanding-exl-student-award-winners\" data-bs-parent=\"#years\"><div class=\"accordion-body\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/OutstandingEXLStudent-JordanHolloway.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"59\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jordan Holloway &#8211;&nbsp;Outstanding EXL Student Award Winner 2012-2013<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/OutstandingEXLStudent-RichardDustinParker.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"62\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Richard Dustin Parker &#8211; Outstanding EXL Student Award Winner 2014-2015<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/OutstandingEXLStudent-SaraCroft.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"64\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sara Elizabeth Croft &#8211; Outstanding EXL Student Award Winner 2013-2014<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/OutstandingEXLStudent-FarahHirani.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"57\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Farah Hirani &#8211; Outstanding EXL Student Award Winner 2014-2015<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/OutstandingEXLStudent-KelseyMuskin.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kelsey Muskin &#8211; Outstanding EXL Student Award Winner 2013-2014<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/OutstandingEXLStudent-HannahHolladay.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"58\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hannah Holladay &#8211; Outstanding EXL Student Award Winner 2015-2016<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/OutstandingEXLStudent-JosephDavisThompson.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"60\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joseph Davis Thompson &#8211; Outstanding EXL Student Award Winner 2013-2014<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/OutstandingEXLStudent-DominicCooper.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"56\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dominic Cooper&nbsp;&#8211; Outstanding EXL Student Award Winner 2015-2016<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/OutstandingEXLStudent-BrittanyGardner.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"55\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Brittany Gardner &#8211; Outstanding EXL Student Award Winner 2014-2015<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/OutstandingEXLStudent-SamanthaKirby.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"63\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Samantha Kirby &#8211; Outstanding EXL Student Award Winner 2015-2016<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Forms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"is-style-compact-list wp-block-list\">\n<li>Student Request for EXL Certification&nbsp;&nbsp;[<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/Student_Request.docx\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"48\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Word<\/a>] or [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/Student_Request.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"49\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pdf<\/a>] \n<ul class=\"is-style-compact-list wp-block-list\">\n<li>This form will need to be saved to your computer and attached to the email<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>EXL Agreement for External Activity [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/student_extactivitynew.doc\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"44\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Word<\/a>] or [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/student_extactivitynew.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"45\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pdf<\/a>] \n<ul class=\"is-style-compact-list wp-block-list\">\n<li>Required to receive POD for EXL 4000,&nbsp;<strong>only for students who have not completed an external activity as part of a course<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Approval of MTSU Internal Activity for EXL Credit [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/student_intactivity.doc\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"46\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Word<\/a>] or [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/student_intactivity.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"47\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pdf<\/a>]&nbsp;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Required to receive POD for EXL 4000,&nbsp;<strong>only for students who have not completed an internal activity as part of a course<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>EXL Award Nomination Form [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/Fac_Award_Nom.doc\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"31\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Word<\/a>] or [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/07\/Fac_Award_Nom.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"32\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pdf<\/a>]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Why should I get involved in EXL?<\/strong><br><br>Experiential Learning will provide you with hands-on experience in and outside the classroom. As an EXL Scholar you will receive cords to wear at graduation, have an EXL designation on your transcript, and will receive an EXL Scholars certificate. And EXL gives you the opportunity to give back something to the community and that experience will benefit you personally and professionally as well as help you gain acceptance for graduate study.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Will my participation in the EXL program require me to take more courses to graduate?<\/strong><br><br>Students should be able to select EXL-designated courses from major requirements and general studies requirements to complete the 16 hours of EXL coursework. There is a required 1 credit hour course (EXL 4000) for assessment and completion of the ePortfolio.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What is an ePortfolio?<\/strong><br><br>This is a Web site a student creates to show what he\/she learned during the EXL Scholars Program experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What types of MTSU campus activities are required for the MTSU service component?<\/strong><br><br>Students may complete this requirement in one of three ways: participate in a leadership role in a MTSU&nbsp;sponsored charitable activity, volunteer with a campus office to assist other students, or be a campus leader. Some service projects completed by student organizations will also count toward this service. Any verified philanthropic activity completed through a student organization, campus department, or course in which the individual coordinated the event\/activity may be counted for EXL credit. Contact the EXL office for additional information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do I have to have a certain grade point average to enter the program?<\/strong><br><br>Students will need to be in good standing with the university to be in the EXL program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Will I automatically be an EXL Scholar if I take an EXL designated course?<\/strong><br><br>No. Students may take EXL courses and not be in the EXL program. Students must make application to be an EXL Scholar, complete assessment activities, including the 1- credit hour EXL 4000 ePortfolio course, and complete an MTSU service component to receive the designation as an EXL scholar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do I have to participate in co-op or study abroad to earn the EXL designation?<\/strong><br><br>These programs are good opportunities for completing the external activity and practical experience activity, but these activities are not required. Completing an internship or service-learning project are other ways to complete the external activity that is required for the EXL program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What is service learning?<br><\/strong><br>Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. Curriculum includes structured field-based \u201cexperiential learning\u201d alongside community partners, which reinforces course learning outcomes. Credit-bearing service-learning designated courses are incorporated into general education or college core requirements for a degree program. Students may work with a non-profit organization on some project to benefit the community.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Are there EXL prefix classes?<\/strong><br><br>Yes. EXL 4000 is the culminating experience for all EXL Scholars Program participants. Additionally, some courses such as civic engagement, service learning, or leadership studies practicums, internship courses or study-abroad courses may be cross-listed as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/exlprefix\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"66\">EXL<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Can I take more than 16 hours of EXL courses?<\/strong><br><br>Yes, students may take as many EXL courses as they like.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other benefits:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"is-style-compact-list wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sample a career field<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hone skills and apply theories<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Broaden career horizons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Network in the field<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acquire college credits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gain professional work experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase self-confidence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhance resume<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prepare for graduate school<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Possibly get a job offer!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Experiential Learning at MTSU provides you with incredible opportunities for hands-on experience in your field of interest, valuable networking with business professionals, and exploring career paths. EXL Scholar Graduation Distinction Students must meet the requirements. Outstanding EXL Student Award The outstanding EXL Student Award is given annually to students who hold a distinguished record of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-bannernosidebar.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-19","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":334,"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19\/revisions\/334"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/exl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}