RES LIFE Engaging Students Outside of the Classroom By Kate McGartlandKinsella “For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.” ~Aristotle SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY SMU Hilltop scholars complete their expedition. Experiential learning is an intentional experience that provides learning opportunities for students outside of the traditional classroom setting. Typically, students take part in an active experience, reflect on the encounter, and utilize the skills learned during the experience to further their development. The experience links students’ learning to their living environment and deepens their connection to their campus community. We are seeing more and more experiential learning 20 TALKING STICK opportunities added to housing curriculums, opportunities that support students and enhance the institutional mission; and – with student retention a top priority for higher education faculty and administrators – experiential learning is fast becoming an effective strategy for increasing both engagement and retention. Housing officers are heeding the call to bring intentional learning opportunities to students on their campuses. With sound knowledge and application of student development theories, student transition issues, and the campus climate, housing professionals are well suited to develop critical programs for students to enhance their post-secondary experience. Some campuses have well established experiential learning programs, while others are preparing to implement them and many are thinking about what type of program will work well on their campus and how to