Experiential Learning Council

The ELC is an organization that fosters and develops experiential learning on behalf of the students at Notre Dame and St. Mary's. Experiential Learning emphasizes direct, "hands-on" involvement as a catalyst to learning, giving students a real awareness of relevant social issues. It provides a setting for student leaders to share ideas on how to provide and share meaningful experiences that will not only prompt learning but will challenge our actions in relation to the world.

The ELC is a developing organization that serves over 800 students a year. Highlighting its importance, the ELC currently receives the largest fiscal allocation of any student-run organization. One area of focus for the 2006-2007 year is service networking with aims to expand the Notre Dame service-learning opportunities. Other priorities include action for justice and the development of new reflection materials and resources.

ELC Officers

Felipe Witchger, Coordinator

Coordinator will collaborate with Seminar coordinators and faculty advisor to develop and enhance experiential learning Seminars at the Center for Social Concerns
Coordinator will assist the Director of Experiential Learning in planning and implementation of Social Concerns Seminars
Coordinator will help integrate seminar efforts and enhance creativity in long- range academic planning

Specific Duties Include

Prepare agenda and facilitate regular Council meetings and related gatherings
Assist in recruitment and registration of Seminar participants
Facilitate relevant communication about experiential seminars (e.g., ads, press releases, brochures, web-based information, and other means to tell our stories)
Assist with training and leadership development of Seminar coordinators
Evaluate present Seminars and develop new initiatives
Facilitate communication and funding requests with Club Coordination Council
Represent the ELC and Social Concerns Seminars on other Center advisory structures

Christian Hoeffel, Financial Coordinator

Financial Coordinator Responsibilities

Monitor seminar expenditures (using Excel and/or related applications)
Prepare the budget for the Club Coordination Council request.
Propose to the ELC ways to allocate funding for Seminars, leadership initiatives, and miscellaneous activities and requests which will arise.
Examine financial feasibility of new Seminars; work with coordinators re: budget concerns
Collaborate with Council to develop fundraising efforts (including concession stand)

Website Coordinator Responsibilities

Update ELC webpage on a regular basis
Post current information, due dates, opportunities on webpage
Serve on the CSC committee which advances all aspects of technology at the Center
Encourage separate Seminars to create specific web pages, and link to main page
Assist with email and database coordination
Work with Secretary and Academic Coordinator to integrate PR efforts

Sarah Liu, Academic Coordinator

Facilitate academic integration of Seminars with colleges, departments, majors
Facilitate sharing of information from national organizations that support experiential learning
Aid in curricular development for various Seminars
Promote diversity for Seminars
Assist in recruitment for Seminar participants especially from the Colleges of Business, Engineering, Architecture and Science
Coordinate efforts between colleges to enhance experiential learning

Kristen Klump, Secretary

Record minutes from ELC officers’ meetings and large group meetings and e-mail them to all ELC members
Keep, update email and related address lists for Seminar coordinators, etc.
Create and complete special projects documenting the growth of the ELC and separate Seminars: e.g. retreats
Oversee logistics for special/social events (reserve rooms, order materials, etc.)
Work with other communications officers on special public relations initiatives

Michael Angulo, Spiritual/Reflections Coordinator

Coordinate the preparation of reflection materials for Seminars
Innovate new ways to effectively integrate prayer/ reflection time into seminars
Organize reflection for returning seminar participants
Organize prayer for seminar leaders
Prepare opening prayer for Council meetings

Angela Miller-McGraw, Advisor

She is basically the person who keeps the others in line, and therefore has the hardest job with this rowdy bunch.

Prior to coming to Notre Dame, Miller-McGraw worked at the Human Rights Department in St. Paul, Minnesota and for Prison Fellowship Ministries in Reston, Virginia. Currently, she serves on the board of directors of the Near Northwest Neighborhood Association in South Bend. She has a B.A. in History and Political Science from Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota and a M.A. in Religion from Yale University.