Application for REAL Classification: Co-Curricular Experiences
We are so pleased you have decided to apply for REAL classification of your co-curricular program! Detailed instructions and guidance are available on the REAL website. A few notes about this form: please note that Smartsheet cannot save in-process applications. Please scan the entirety of the application and have your materials prepared prior to initiating the application. A Google doc form of the application is available at the following location for your use: XXXXX
List any additional staff members involved in the program/activity and provide their email addresses.
For example: Division of Student Affairs
I attest that any necessary internal approvals and notifications as determined by my department or unit have been received prior to applying for REAL classification.
If NO, please describe your selection process (i.e., application review; interview component; limited to a specific student population or group such as transfer students, first generation students, students in a particular major, etc.)
For example, morning or afternoon, 1:30 -3:00, 3 weeks ...
Refer to the Guiding Principles web page of the REAL website for definitions and expectations: https://real.vcu.edu/apply/principles/ You may select more than one element.
Please select a REAL Level for the experience. For an introduction to the REAL Levels and how they are defined, see https://real.vcu.edu/apply/. Please note that the REAL Curriculum Committee assigns the official REAL Level based on documentation provided in your application and using a standard rubric.
In connection with the elements identified above, please outline the program's primary learning objectives. Applicants are highly encouraged to adopt or align with the REAL Learning Framework and with the Connect learning outcome, Integrative Learning.
Please provide an outlined structure and schedule of activities.
Describe the hands-on activity or activities that students complete during the course of this program.
Estimated time on task?
Describe if and how reflection will be purposefully embedded in this program.
Describe the proposed format of the reflection activity(ies) (written reflection, group discussions, etc..
Indicate the specific learning objective(s) that the planned reflection activities/assignments will reinforce.
Explain how the reflection activities)/assignments will be used to evaluate student learning. Include any rubrics or evaluation tools as supporting documentation (see below).
Articulate the guidelines and parameters for mentorship between mentors and mentees. Include descriptions of the format of mentoring (in person, over technology, etc.) and you will provide consistent, ongoing points of reciprocated exchange between mentees and mentors.
Please provide details on how you plan to assess and verify the mentoring encounters, reflection of learning, training, and intentionality. Include any rubrics or evaluation tools as supporting documentation (see below).
Number of In-Person Group Contact Hours (if any)
Number of Virtual Contact Hours (if any)
How will the experiences within the co-curricular be connected to the students’ academic/disciplinary knowledge?
What artifact(s) (e.g., presentation, portfolio, reflective paper, etc.) will be produced by the student to exhibit integrative learning?
Does your program align with the VCU Peer Leadership definition (https://peerleadership.vcu.edu/) or the pillars of customer service, diversity and inclusion, self-efficacy, and integrative learning?
How will you know that participants understand the learning goals and objectives of this experience? For example, will you use a learning contract, a pre-program onboarding activity, a traditional "syllabus," etc.?
Who is responsible for the design and structure of the learning activities?
Who is facilitating and executing the learning? (department staff, campus partners, peer leaders, etc.). Are there additional content area experts involved?
Please describe the training and support provided for facilitators to engage in the teaching and learning process.
Please attach all supporting documentation (must be combined into one file) that would be helpful for the REAL Co-Curriculum Committee in reviewing your application. This material is critical to evaluating the presence of REAL elements and leveling your program. Documentation may include syllabus, facilitation guides, learning contracts, evaluation plan details, and examples of past student learning.
The REAL Co-Curriculum Committee requires a learning statement for all REAL co-curricular programs defining VCU REAL and expectations. See the following for an adaptable template: https://tinyurl.com/REALSyllabusStatement
The REAL Co-Curriculum Committee requires a program summary report, including student participation, at the end of each academic semester to track progress and gaps. In an effort to capture integrated student engagement data, I agree to use RamsConnect (vcu.campusgroups.com) or Student Opportunity Center (vcu.studentopportunitycenter.com). Please contact real@vcu.edu if you have any questions in advance.