By STEPHANY ANDRADE and JENNIFER COOPER
The University of Pittsburgh takes great pride in bringing the classroom out into the community, and students often pursue an education at Pitt because of the opportunities they can pursue outside of the classroom. Co-curricular activities can play a vital role in enhancing the educational experience by promoting holistic development among students.
Faculty on campus, like students, are involved in research, community engagement and service projects. With like-minded interests and ideals, how can professors and students connect outside of the classroom?
Co-curricular engagement encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, deepening their understanding and retention of course material. With this in mind, this article provides a few ideas on how faculty could integrate outside-the-classroom opportunities into their classrooms.
Outside Classroom Curriculum
Pitt’s Division of Student Affairs states when advertising the University's Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC) program that the “most transformative experiences occur beyond classroom walls.” While the University emphasizes involvement in co-curricular activities through social media and outreach, academic departments across campus often forget to target an important setting — the classroom.
The first step to leaning into incorporating co-curricular experiences into the classroom is through using the resources provided by Pitt’s OCC program (run through the Suitable platform). The program is divided into nine competency areas, giving students comprehensive exposure to many different areas of growth and learning.
Over the years, Pitt has hosted book talks, author collaborations, group discussions, cultural events and leadership development opportunities. Most recently, the University held a National Voter Education Week in preparation for the 2024 election. Many of the events align with the overarching goals of courses across the University, promoting the intersection of learning and application.
By integrating events on campus to specific course projects (either for extra credit, group work, field exposure, or a choice of assignments) students will be able to connect their learning in the classroom to real-world experiences while working toward being an active and engaged citizen within their community. Ultimately, these learning experiences allow students to build up their resumes through tangible experiences.
Resources to learn more:
Studying abroad and global studies
When suggesting the importance of global experiences, the U.S. Department of State writes that “[b]y studying abroad, you will experience new perspectives, learn how to navigate different cultures, work with diverse peers, and communicate in other languages.”
There are many internal and external opportunities for students to engage with global learning. Pitt offers various programs that may align with the goals of a class or major. By advertising studying abroad (as well as funding opportunities to make it accessible) in the classroom, students will be able to engage with the topics learned about in class in creative and unique ways.
Resources to learn more:
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Access PittFund$Me through my.pitt.edu
Alternative opportunities
The University of Pittsburgh also offers various opportunities for students to continue their engagement with the Pitt community throughout the summer. Whether you have a student interested in being a research assistant, working with a professor on a project, or pursuing a unique degree opportunity like interdisciplinary distinctions, students have the chance to gain incredible learning experiences,
Many courses across campus schedule time into the semester to visit the Hillman Library archives and explore relevant artifacts and documents. Overall, Hillman offers many opportunities that may interest students after engaging with materials.
Resources to learn more:
By integrating activities like these into classes, faculty can foster critical skills such as teamwork, leadership and effective communication, which are essential in both academic and real-world contexts. Ultimately, introducing co-curricular activities not only enriches the learning environment but also prepares students to be well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in diverse situations.
Instructors who want to learn more can find information and workshop recordings on the University Center for Teaching and Learning website. For individualized help, email teaching@pitt.edu to request a teaching consultation. You also can request a co-consultation with Stephany Andrade if you would like a student’s perspective or feedback on activities or assessments you have designed.
Stephany Andrade is a member of the University of Pittsburgh Class of 2026, and Jennifer Cooper in an instructional designer in the Office of the Provost.