Experiential Learning Faculty Fellowship

In its third year, the UTA Libraries Experiential Learning Faculty Fellowship provides faculty and students unique teaching and learning opportunities.  

Through this fellowship, Libraries staff will help faculty members develop a course curriculum utilizing experiential learning resources at the UTA Central Library.  

Nicole Spoor, Director of Experiential Learning, stated this fellowship takes students out of the classroom, providing them with a hands-on learning opportunity. It also allows students to develop marketable skills that they can use as a professional.  

“Maybe faculty members have a course where students write a research paper, but they want to do something more experiential. The Libraries is a great place for that to happen,” Nicole said. “The major requirement for this fellowship is to use the experiential resources in the Creative Spaces and Services Department.” 

The program works to enhance the educational experience for students by utilizing the resources and technologies within the FabLab, the Basement and the Studios, which are part of CSS. Faculty members accepted into the program will receive a $1,500 stipend paid after the new curriculum is taught in the 2024 fall semester. 

“We chose eight recipients this year out of the 57 applicants that we had this year, which was a record,” she said. “To me that showed the need for continuing this program and how great it is that faculty recognize that this is a more engaging way for students to learn.” 

While fellowship recipients have been selected for this year, the application process for new applications will open up in the fall.  

“We don’t expect them to come to us with a fully-fledged idea when they apply. The point is for Libraries Staff to help them develop this idea,” Spoor said. “So, really, we are looking for potential.” 

Questions about the program can be directed to Nicole Spoor at della.spoor@uta.edu for additional information.