Experiential Learning

The Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students (BPATS) is committed to experiential learning that is rooted in the concept of praxis: knowledge that grows from the iterative relationship between action and reflection.

Self-Directed Learning provides a pathway for students to work inside and outside of the classroom as they consider the following questions:

• What does it mean to make something?
• What does it mean to be both a learner and a practitioner?

How Self-Directed Learning Works

Semester One

Enroll in Self-Directed Learning Fundamentals, a ten-week, 2-credit Liberal Arts course in which you focus on the creation of a project proposal with a clear rationale, learning outcomes, and scope and an identified "content specialist" (a New School faculty member who will mentor you as you work on your project).

In this course, you will gain the skills necessary to determine not only what you will do but also what you will learn, why it qualifies for college-level credit, how you will learn it, and what resources you will need along the way.

You will also have access to a Self-Directed Learning alumnus or alumna - a mentor who can offer firsthand advice.

Semester Two

Enroll in Self-Directed Learning Reflections, a five-week, 1-credit Liberal Arts course in which you work on a project while building your reflection, documentation, and assessment skills.

In this course, you will complete a project and earn Liberal Arts or Non-Liberal Arts credits (up to 6 credits per project, based on the assessment of the instructor and content specialist).

After the initial year of guided coursework and project-based work, you can propose additional components of your original project and/or new projects.

Students may earn a total of 12 Self-Directed Learning credits toward their degree. Credits earned through Self-Directed Learning projects are lower in cost but count the same as any other credits you earn.

Do I Qualify?

Yes, if you are a current BPATS student and you meet the following requirements:

• You need to earn at least five credits and complete two semesters to graduate.
• You are self-motivated and believe in the value of connecting classroom learning with out-of-classroom experience.
• Your schedule provides enough flexibility to allow you to carry out your project.

How Do I Apply?

If you meet these requirements and are interested in applying, please complete the Self-Directed Learning Application.

For more information, contact Ujju Aggarwal, coordinator of Self-Directed Learning, at [email protected].

Students can earn non-liberal arts credits for internships arranged through the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students. To be eligible, a student must have completed at least 12 credits in residence at The New School and be in good academic standing. Students can register for up to two internships as part of the Bachelor's Program. Internships are set up as courses; they normally carry three credits and are completed in one academic term. Students must work 10-12 hours per week for 12-15 weeks to earn three credits.

Application Process

Any student interested in earning credits for an internship should discuss this option with their core faculty advisor. To register your internship, you need to submit an experience learning agreement (ELA).

To submit an ELA:

• Go to HireNew and log in with your NetID and the password you use for MyNewSchool (you can also log in through the apps locker in MyNewSchool).
• Once logged in, click Careers on the top navigation bar.
• Click Experience from the list on the left-hand side.
• Click the Create New ELA button at the right-hand top of the page.
• After you've filled out the ELA, click Submit at the bottom of the page.

The following steps will then take place:

• Your supervisor will complete their portion of the ELA and approve it. (They will receive an email with instructions for completing the ELA once you submit it.)
• Once your ELA has been approved by your supervisor, Experience will review your ELA, approve it, and register you for the internship course.
• After your ELA has been fully approved by your supervisor and Experience, you will receive a letter of eligibility stating that you will receive credit for the internship.

*If you're an international student, Experience will automatically begin processing your CPT (if you are CPT eligible) once your ELA is fully approved. If you need a social security number for this internship, you will need to apply for one with Social Security Administration (SSA). To begin that process, you will need to submit an iGlobal request to have a SSN letter of eligibility issued by Experience. Please click here for more information about the SSN process. If you have previously been issued a SSN for a past experience, you do not need to apply for a new number.

You can check the status of your ELA by checking the Experience section on the Village.

If you have any questions during the ELA process, please contact [email protected].

Please note: Tuition for internships is charged per credit at the same rate as the student's other courses in the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students. Internships are subject to the same add/drop deadlines as other courses.

Evaluation

Upon completion of an internship, the student submits a written report (4-7 pages) to the Director of Academic Affairs, describing the internship experience. The on-site supervisor must complete a brief evaluation form, provided by The New School. Upon receipt of both the reports and evaluation, a grade of P (Pass; credits are awarded) or U (Unsatisfactory; no credit is awarded) will be reported.

Do more than earn your degree; travel and study the world. Students are encouraged to build on the fortitude, social consciousness, and curiosity that led them to complete their degree by engaging in study abroad opportunities offered by the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students.

We structure our study abroad programs to meet the needs of busy students, with opportunities in the winter and summer lasting only a few weeks. Students who desire a longer experience can also participate in other university-sponsored programs. Whether you spend a few weeks, a semester, or an academic year abroad, you will have the chance to study in different environments and cultural contexts by taking courses, working at internships, or pursuing volunteer projects.

Programs

The New School offers its own courses abroad and partners with study abroad programs at other institutions. You can participate in a university-sponsored program or research and apply to one of the many programs available through IIE Passport, goabroad.com, or studyabroad101.com.

First Steps

To gain the most from your study abroad experience and ensure school approval, consider your reasons for studying abroad, how the experience will fit into your overall education plan, and when and where you want to study. Then, make an appointment with the director of Academic Affairs to discuss your desires and options.