Learning Through Hands-on Experience
At CGCC, we recognize that learning can take many different forms. We work to create opportunities for students to integrate the knowledge they learn in the classroom into real-world settings.
Integrative learning is a type of learning that encourages students to think across disciplines, and make connections between concepts they learn in the classroom and experiences outside the classroom.
Read more about various integrative learning opportunities at CGCC in the tabs below.
High-Impact Practices
HIPs CGCC Offers
Honors Program
Students in the CGCC Honors program learn to think more deeply about their classwork, engage in research projects and gain recognition for their scholastic achievements. Honors students work closely with instructors to conduct an honors project each semester, applying knowledge and skills developed throughout the course to a research project.
First Year Experience (FYE)
FYE courses are specially designed to focus on building student success through the exploration of academic, career and life skills. These courses are designed to help students understand goal-setting strategies, develop an academic mindset and hone financial literacy.
Learning Communities
Learning Communities combine two or more courses to meaningfully connect the information presented in each. Some courses are blended together into a single classroom, while others are linked by shared assignments, topics and projects.
Service Learning
Service Learning combines academic instruction with meaningful service, allowing students to reach their educational goals while contributing to their communities and the world at large.
Study Abroad
Exploring the world and learning go hand-in-hand! Studying abroad provides a unique opportunity to experience new places, meet fascinating people, witness breathtaking sights and grow as an individual.
Writing-Certified Class Program
Writing-certified courses use both formal and informal writing activities and projects for deeper learning and to enhance writing skills. These writing-intensive classes often combine writing with additional HIPs, such as undergraduate research, Service Learning and capstone projects. Students that successfully complete 15 or more hours of writing-certified courses earn the Writing-Certified Class Program Distinction.
Additional HIPs CGCC Offers
ePortfolios
ePortfolios enable students to electronically collect their work over time, allowing them to reflect on their personal and academic growth, showcase their achievements and share their materials with others, like professors, advisors and potential employers. At CGCC, students create and build their ePortfolio(s) as part of course assignments, co-curricular program and FOI activities.
Undergraduate Research
Students in select disciplines are able to sign up for the opportunity to conduct individual or small group research projects, mentored by faculty. These courses are structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance.
Embedded Tutors
In some classes, tutors are embedded in the course to provide additional one-on-one and small group support. More information about this program coming soon!
Embedded Library Faculty
In some classes, library faculty members are embed into the course to provide guidance on research projects. More information about this program coming soon!
Embedded Reading
In some classes, reading faculty members are embedded in the course to offer direct instruction in academic literacy and also provide one-on-one support to students.
Other Integrative Learning Experiences
Co-curricular & Multicultural Programming
Co-curricular programs refer to activities, programs, events and learning experiences that complement what CGCC students are learning in the classroom. These co-curricular opportunities connect to or mirror academic curriculum.
Civic Engagement
A well-rounded education extends beyond the classroom to promote quality of life in our communities. That’s civic engagement at its best! We encourage our students to become more involved in civic life at all levels, discovering how to make a difference in the world.
Environmental Technology Center (ETC)
The Environmental Technology Center (ETC) is a hub for CGCC’s interdisciplinary experiential learning projects that focus on sustainability. Instructors from across all FOIs, student clubs and community groups utilize this space to bring sustainability theories to life – literally.
Student Leadership
There are countless opportunities for students to step into a leadership role at CGCC. Leadership roles offer students the opportunity to grow professionally and develop leadership skills, like communication, problem-solving and decision-making.
HIPs & Honors Showcase
Each semester, students from all Fields of Interest (FOIs) and disciplines present their academic projects to faculty, staff and peers at the HIPs & Honors Showcase.
This showcase highlights students' talents, interests and achievements while simultaneously building their confidence in public speaking. The event features a variety of projects, including scientific research, art pieces and Service Learning experiences.
For more information, contact Anna Loseke at [email protected] or Marie Huntsinger at [email protected].